Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Background

The Household Division

The men you will see in front of Buckingham Palace (and other locations) are not just ceremonial guards but also serving Soldiers. While upholding the traditions of the past, they also perform duties throughout the world as professional soldiers and are known as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army.

This is why Changes may occur in the guard change as the soldiers are required for operational duties.

The Household Division is made up of seven Regiments.

These comprise: The Household Cavalry Regiment

• The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals; and the five regiments of foot: 
• he Grenadier Guards
• The Coldstream Guards
• The Scots Guards
• The Irish Guards
• The Welsh Guards

Most of the time it is soldiers from one of these regiments that will be outside Buckingham Palace, but do not be surprised if on some occasions you do not see the traditional guardsmen, particularly in August when often other regiments guard the Queen.

The responsibility of guarding the Sovereign by the Household Troops (as they were known at the time) dates back to the time of Henry VII (1485-1509).

These are some of the best soldiers in the British Army and have fought in virtually every major area of conflict with great distinction since the 17th Century. They also take an active role in protecting their Sovereign; at night they patrol the grounds of both Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace.

Photographing the Guards

You will get many opportunities to photograph the Guards, the best time is not actually during the Guard change but before or after, the best locations are all highlighted in the Guide book but as a hint try: Wellington Barracks to the left of Buckingham Palace as you face it, it is best just after the ceremony.

Wellington Barracks to the left of Buckingham Palace as you face it, it is best just after the ceremony.

St James' Palace before or after the guard change at Buckingham Palace.

Want a picture standing next to a guard? Go to St James' Palace, walk past the courtyard of the Palace and turn left around the corner (into Pall Mall) and there is a guard standing all on his own, you can go and stand right next to him!

During the ceremony (at about 10.45am and again at 11.40am), the mounted guards will ride past, firstly going up 'The Mall' and then returning back down.

Go to Horse Guards Parade and in Whitehall you can get a picture standing next to a guard mounted on their horse.

If you are interested in learning more we recommend you visit both The Guards Museum (where you can even try on the Bearskin Cap that the Guards wear!) and the Cavalry Museum located in Horseguards where you can even see the horses in their stables!

For a limited time each summer Buckingham Palace is open to the public and is well worth visiting. For further information click on the page on Buckingham Palace at the top of this page.