Changing of the Guard 2025 in London

The Changing of the Guard is a pompous and solemn procession where the so-called old guards hand in their armor to the new guards who replace the former on the post to protect Buckingham Palace for the next day.

Ceremony Highlights

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial tradition where a new group replaces the soldiers guarding Buckingham Palace. This iconic practice dates back centuries, with the first ceremony held during the reign of King Henry VII. Originally, it took place at the Palace of Whitehall.

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 Guard

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.

Schedule

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.

The best time of year to watch the Changing of the Guard procession is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, the ceremony is more frequent, the weather is pleasant, and the guards wear their iconic scarlet tunics. During the winter months, the guards wear grey greatcoats over their scarlet tunics, but their distinctive bearskin hats remain a constant feature.

Best Spots & Admission

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.