The Regiments
The Household Division - the cavalry and foot guards who guard 'The King.'
The men you will see on guard at Buckingham Palace, (and other locations), are not just ceremonial guards but first and foremost professional infantry soldiers.
While upholding the traditions of the past, the guards also perform duties around the world as professional soldiers, who in their infantry role, have a reputation as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army.
This is one of the reasons changes may occur, in the guard change ceremony schedule, when the guards are required for operational duties.
Regiments in the Household Division
The Household Division comprise two regiments of the Household Cavalry, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals plus 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 standing guard outside Buckingham Palace. Guardsmen will have two hours on sentry duty and four hours off.
However, do not be surprised if on some occasions you do not see the traditional guardsmen, in their scarlet tunics, particularly in August when other regiments often guard 'The King'.
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).
As some of the best soldiers in the British Army guardsmen have fought in virtually every major area of conflict with great distinction since the 17th Century.
The guards do not just perform ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace, 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.
Identifying the Regiments
At a glance, all of the King's Guards have the same scarlet uniform, distinctive bearskin hat and gold buttons.
The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace' guide book has even more information on the ceremony, and how to identify the regiments.
A pictorial guide shows the differences in the Horseguards and Foot Guards uniforms, to help you recognise the regiment you will see at the Guard Change.
It also has some interesting stories and historical facts to amuse you while you are waiting for the guard change to begin.
