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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 five Regiments of
Foot Guards
The
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.
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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.
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!).
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
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