History of the Royal Guard
Household Troops have guarded the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces since 1660.
Until 1689, the Sovereign lived, mainly, at the Palace of Whitehall and was guarded there by Household Cavalry.
In 1689, the court moved to St James's Palace, which was guarded by the Foot Guards.
When Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace in 1837, the Queen's Guard remained at St James's Palace, with a detachment guarding Buckingham Palace, as it still does today.
The King’s Guard is commanded by a Captain (who usually holds the rank of Major), and each Detachment is commanded by a Lieutenant.
The Colour of the Battalion providing the Guard is carried by a Second Lieutenant (who is known as the Ensign).
The handover is accompanied by a Guards band. The music played ranges from traditional military marches to songs from films and musicals and even familiar pop songs.
When The King is in residence, there are four sentries at the front of the building. When he is away there are two.
Guards Museums
If you are interested in learning more we recommend a visit to The Guards Museum and the Cavalry Museum.
The Guards museum is located in Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1.
The museum contains a wealth of information and artifacts relating to the five regiments of Foot Guards namely Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards and you can even try on the Bearskin Cap that the Guards wear!
The Household Cavalry Museum is a living museum located in the heart of Horse Guards, Whitehall, London.
Unlike any other military museum it offers a unique 'behind- the-scenes' look at the work that goes into the ceremonial and operational role of the Household Cavalry Regiment.
The best way to buy discounted tickets is via the Go City One Pass.
A message from His Majesty King Charles III, recorded at St James's Palace when Prince of Wales, about The Guards Museum.
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