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Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Ever seen soldiers in bright red tunics and towering bearskin hats? That's the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace! This historic 45-minute ceremony, dating back to King Charles II, sees the Old Guard hand over duties to the New Guard in a perfectly choreographed tradition, complete with a military band—pure British pageantry!

​Plan Your Visit

What is the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Origin of the ceremony

Did you know the Changing of the Guard goes back over 520 years? It started with Henry VII, who created the Royal Body Guard as a permanent institution. Then, in 1656, King Charles II formed the first Guards Regiments to protect him during his exile. Fast forward a few centuries, and these soldiers are now some of the oldest and most battle-hardened in the British Army. The ceremony itself started at Whitehall, stopped by St James's Palace, and landed at Buckingham Palace in 1837 with Queen Victoria.

About Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace guards marching in formation towards the palace in London.

How to watch the ceremony

Here's the game plan: get there by 10:30am since the good spots fill up fast! The ceremony starts at 11:00am, lasts about 45 minutes, and happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Grab a spot near the palace gates or the Victoria Memorial for the best view. You'll see soldiers marching in from St. James's Palace with a full-on band—so much pomp and pageantry! Don't forget to check the Household Division website for any last-minute changes (thanks to that unpredictable British weather).

Why go to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

  • Celebrate British traditions: The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace features the ceremonial exchange between the Old Guard and the New Guard. This majestic event, accentuated by musical accompaniment, showcases the rich pageantry of the United Kingdom.
  • See the guard's bright ceremonial outfits: The guards, adorned in their traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, embody a quintessential symbol of British heritage and culture.
  • It's free to watch: The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is free of charge, thus offering tourists and locals an affordable glimpse into a storied British tradition without cost.

Changing of the Guard Ceremony highlights

Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace

Military march

The Military March is like watching perfection in motion! Picture this: guards in spotless uniforms marching in sync so precise it's almost hypnotic, with the steady beat of drums setting the pace. Add a military band to the mix, and you've got a mesmerizing spectacle that's pure British tradition.

Buckingham Palace Guard Ceremony Military band

Military band

The Household Division's State Ceremonial Musicians—seven Regimental Bands and even a string orchestra—bring the whole ceremony to life. They mix classic military marches with modern tunes, creating this vibrant, electric vibe. And if you're lucky, you might even catch regimental pipers or the Corps of Drums in action.

Buckingham Palace Guard Military outfit

Military outfit

The guards at the Changing of the Guard are hard to miss in their bold red tunics and towering bearskin hats—so classic, so British! Known as The King's Guard, they're from the Household Division's Foot Guards, and their striking uniforms aren't just for show—they're steeped in centuries of royal tradition and history.

Plan your visit to Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Changing of the Guard in Buckingham Palace, London, UK

The ceremony, which lasts 45 minutes, is held at 11am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from the Buckingham Palace Forecourt.

Address: Buckingham Palace Forecourt, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom

​Find on Maps

  • By Bus: Bus routes 11, 211, C1, and C10 serve stops along Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is also conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Palace.
  • By Train: The closest train stations are London Victoria, a 10-minute walk away, and London Charing Cross, approximately 20 minutes on foot.
  • By Underground: Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park, and Hyde Park Corner are the closest tube stations, each about a 10-minute walk away.

Visitor tips

  • For the best views, head to the Buckingham Palace Forecourt for the main action, or try Wellington Barracks and St. James's Palace if you prefer a less crowded experience.
  • If you're arriving early or find it hard to stand for long, bring along a lightweight folding chair to relax comfortably while you wait.
  • Bring some light snacks and water—especially if you're visiting during the warmer months—to stay refreshed and ready for the ceremony!
  • After the guard changes, don't rush off—stick around to watch them march back or take some time to explore the nearby attractions!
  • Stay mindful of your belongings—crowded spots can be a magnet for pickpockets!
  • If you're watching from a distance, binoculars are a great way to see the finer details, such as the guards' uniforms and ceremonial movements.
  • Silence your phone during the ceremony to keep things peaceful for everyone, but feel free to snap photos or record videos once it's over!
  • There are no public restrooms near Buckingham Palace, so it's a good idea to use the facilities at nearby cafes or hotels before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions about Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Where is the best place to view the Changing the Guard Ceremony?

Good viewing spots include the fences in front of Buckingham Palace, the steps of the Victoria Memorial, and along The Mall.

Is there a fee to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony?

No, watching the Changing the Guard ceremony is free of charge.

How early should I arrive to get a good spot?

Arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the ceremony starts is recommended to secure a good viewing position, as the event is quite popular.

What happens if it rains on the day of the ceremony?

The ceremony may be canceled in the event of terrible weather. Cancellations can be confirmed on the morning of the ceremony via the Household Division's official website.

Can I take photographs during the ceremony?

Yes, photography is allowed during the ceremony, but due to the crowd, using large tripods might be restricted.

Are there any security restrictions for attending the ceremony?

As with any public event, expect to go through security checks. Large bags and backpacks are typically discouraged.

Is the Changing of the Guard ceremony accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible viewing areas. You should contact the Palace's visitor services in advance to arrange accommodations.

Can children watch the ceremony?

Yes, the Changing of the Guard is a family-friendly event. However, due to crowds, it's advisable to keep children close.

Can I bring my pet to watch the ceremony?

Pets are generally not recommended at the ceremony due to the large crowds and the nature of the event.

What should I wear to the ceremony?

There is no dress code for watching the ceremony, but it's recommended to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for being outdoors.

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