Changing The Guard at Buckingham Palace Schedule & Times

Jul 13, 2010
Carol Finch

When Does the Changing The Guard Take Place? - Photo by stiefel

The Changing of the Guard, or Guard Mounting as it is also known, is one of the highlights of a trip to London for many visitors. When does it take place?

Visitors to London, looking for a little Royal pomp and circumstance, may enjoy taking a trip to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing the Guard ceremony. What happens during Guard Mounting and what time does the changeover take place?

What Happens During the Changing of the Guard?

Although this is viewed as a ceremonial event, Guard Mounting has a specific purpose. Buckingham Palace is guarded by the Queen's Guard at all times, whether the Queen is in residence or not, and this process involves new personnel coming in to take over duty from the old guard.

The ceremony is accompanied by a Guards band that walk the new guard in to the Palace and the old guard out. The music they play can vary and includes traditional military songs and well-known film, musical and pop songs.

Generally, tourists will see the traditional bearskin-wearing soldiers from Foot Guards regiments. If the Queens Guard is on operational duty then other infantry units will take on the role. It is also possible to see "guest" guards from Commonwealth armies every now and then.

Visitors can tell if the Queen is in residence from the number of sentries at the front of the Palace. There are four on duty when she is there and two when she is not. Keep in mind that she is unlikely to be resident during the summer months when the Royal Family takes its traditional trip to Balmoral.

When Does the Changing The Guard Ceremony Take Place?

During some spring months and during the summer (May to July), the ceremony takes place once a day. At all other times it happens on alternate days. The non-summer schedule is timed to work on odd numbered days (i.e. on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and so on). The Guard Mounting ceremony will not take place if the weather is extremely wet.

The Buckingham Palace Guard Mounting happens at 11.30 am each day. The entire ceremony lasts for approximately 45 minutes. It may be worth getting to Buckingham Palace early, especially during the busy tourist season, to secure a good viewing spot. Places with the best views of the building's entrance are usually at a premium.

Those interested in other Guard Mounting ceremonies can also see a Changing of the Guard at Horseguard's Arch. This takes place at 11.00am Monday-Saturday and at 10.00am on Sundays. Windsor Castle also has its own ceremony. This is held daily (but not on Sundays) at 11.00am from April-July and on alternate days at all other times.

Those taking a trip to London may find the following articles useful:

Source: The Official Website of the British Monarchy