Changement de la garde 2025 à Londres

Le changement de garde est une procession pompeuse et solennelle où les soi-disant vieux gardes main dans l'armure aux nouveaux gardes qui remplacent les premiers sur le poste pour protéger Buckingham Palace pour le lendemain. Les gardes changent tous les jours en été et tous les deux jours en hiver. En outre, en hiver, vous ne verrez pas les tuniques écarlates emblématiques comme les gardes portent des grands manteaux gris sur les tuniques, mais les énormes chapeaux en peau d'ours sont toujours présents.

Les touristes se réunissent le matin autour de Buckingham Palace, Wellington Barracks, et St. James's Palace pour observer une partie de la cérémonie qui se déplace à travers ces trois endroits. L'action commence à 11h30 et se termine à midi, mais il est conseillé de venir au moins une heure à l'avance pour obtenir un bon point de vue.

Accompanied by a full military band performing a mix of traditional marches, songs from musicals, and popular tunes, the ceremony is a vibrant display of military tradition and a poignant reminder of the strong bond between the Armed Forces and their leader, The King.

The duty of guarding Buckingham Palace falls to The King's Guard, composed of active-duty soldiers from the Household Division's Foot Guards. Dressed in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats, these guards embody a rich history and timeless British tradition.

Both the Old Guard and the New Guard carry regimental flags, known as Colours. Historically, these served as rallying points in battle, showcasing regimental emblems. Today, they display regimental distinctions and battle honors, preserving a proud tradition.

The Changing of the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting, occurs outside Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

The Old Guard from Buckingham Palace assembles in the forecourt at 10:30 am, joined by the Old Guard from St. James's Palace around 10:45 am. Shortly after, the New Guard arrives from Wellington Barracks to take over duties in a formal ceremony accompanied by music. Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the official handover happens at 11 am.

Before planning your visit, check the Household Division's website for the confirmed schedule of the Changing of the Guard, as the ceremony may not take place during major events in central London.

The Changing of the Guard also occurs at Windsor Castle every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 am.

La meilleure période de l'année pour assister à la cérémonie de la relève de la garde est pendant les mois les plus chauds, généralement de la fin du printemps au début de l'automne (mai à septembre). Pendant cette période, la cérémonie est plus fréquente, le temps est agréable, et les gardes portent leurs tuniques écarlates emblématiques. Pendant les mois d'hiver, les gardes portent de grands manteaux gris par-dessus leurs tuniques écarlates, mais leurs chapeaux en peau d'ours distinctifs restent une caractéristique constante.

The Changing the Guard ceremony in London is free to attend. Tourists gather around Buckingham Palace, Wellington Barracks, and St. James's Palace in the morning to observe a part of the ceremony that moves across these three locations. It is advisable to come at least an hour in advance to get a good viewing spot. Among the best vantage points are the gates of Buckingham Palace and the steps of the Victoria Memorial across the road.