Schedule for Buckingham Palace
What time is it?
Changing the Guard, or Guard Mounting as it is officially called, takes place outsideBuckingham Palaceevery Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from10.45amand lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual 'handover' takes place at11am.
This free London event is very popular, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot with a good view, However the actual ceremony in front of the gates itself is basically where the Captain of the 'Old Guard' officially hands over the Keys to the Palace to the Captain of the 'New Guard', perhaps the most enjoyable part of the ceremony is the fantastic music, for which you don't need to be right up against the gates
Want to see the Guards with less people around?
At the end of the ceremony you could follow the 'Old Guard' back to Wellington Barracks (the guardsmen march out of the left hand gate and march to the left as you face the Palace). If you follow them the 100 yards to Wellington Barracks you can see them perform the 'Falling out' ceremony and hear more music.
Or before the ceremony go to St James' Palace and at about 10.30am the 'Old Guard' come on parade, with some music and then march to Buckingham Palace, you can follow them to the Palace (about a 2-3 minute Walk).
Does it take place every day?
Changing the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace Forecourt every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It starts at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. There is no ceremony on days when large events are held in the city centre, such as a State visit, the London Marathon or Trooping the Colour.
Checking dates and times before you plan your visit
We know that many of you are planning well in advance and are looking to plan your visit to London and to see Changing the Guard so as a guide and based on our past experience this is a provisional idea of when the guard change at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle is likely to take place.
However it is really important to double check this, unfortunately we wont always know until late on but activities such as major Sporting Events, State Visits and Trooping the Colour are all events that can affect the ceremony.
However purely as a general guide we expect the following schedules:
Buckingham Palace
March and April every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
May, June and July - daily
August onwards every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Windsor Castle
March and April every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
May, June and July - daily
August onwards every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
FAQs
The ceremony usually starts at 10.45am, but be sure to arrive much earlier to secure a good viewing spot. Visit the Household Division website for the full schedule of dates and timings. There can be last-minute cancellations of the Changing the Guard ceremony, such as in very wet weather.
What is the best way to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? ›
Picking a spot on The Mall, between Marlborough Road and Buckingham Palace, gives you a close-up view of the Guards marching past. Normally there are no barriers between the road and pavement which means the guards march right past you, with nothing to block your view.
Is the Changing of the Guard worth it? ›
When the Guard retires, they march there so you can see them again but from much closer. Another classic experience for a visitor to London. We have been before but it is always worth seeing. There are multiple places to see parts of the ceremony but it is impossible for one person to see everything.
What is the entry fees to see changing of guards in Buckingham Palace? ›
Watching the Changing of the Guard is free of charge and no tickets are required.
How long does changing of the guards take? ›
Changing of The King's Guard takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. You should arrive early to get the best view. Soldiers gather at St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks from 10:00am and march to Buckingham Palace accompanied by music.
Do you need tickets to see Changing of the Guard? ›
You do not need a ticket to watch the changing of the guards but come early if you want the best view.
Is it free to watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? ›
Whichever location you choose the Changing of the Guard is free to watch and no tickets are required! You can plan you own route, using the timings and maps below, or book a Walking Tour with an expert guide to see more of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Where to stand for the changing of the guards? ›
The best opportunity now is to go to Horse Guards Parade where you can stand next to a King's Life Guard. 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.
What are the requirements for the Changing of the Guard? ›
Each soldier must be in superb physical condition, possess an unblemished military record and be between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 4 inches tall for men or 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches tall for women, with a proportionate weight and build.
Is it worth going inside Buckingham Palace? ›
Is touring Buckingham Palace worth it? Yes! Even without our 5-second audience with Prince Harry, it was a memorable afternoon. We do recommend though, if the the price isn't too restrictive for you, that you go all out and book the guided tour.
The King's Guard at Buckingham Palace consists of 3 officers and 40 men, when the Sovereign is in residence, otherwise it will comprise of 3 officers and 31 men.
Why did they cancel the Changing of the Guard? ›
The British Army said: "The Changing of the Guard ceremony will not take place on Monday 24 June at Buckingham Palace due to rehearsals for the forthcoming State Visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan."
Does Changing of the Guard happen in the rain? ›
Changing the Guard can sometimes be cancelled, especially in wet weather.
Is Changing of the Guard every day at Buckingham Palace? ›
Changing the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace Forecourt every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It starts at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. There is no ceremony on days when large events are held in the city centre, such as a State visit, the London Marathon or Trooping the Colour.
Are the guards at Buckingham Palace armed? ›
A royal guard is a group of military bodyguards, soldiers or armed retainers responsible for the protection of a royal family member, such as a king or queen, or prince or princess. They often are an elite unit of the regular armed forces, or are designated as such, and may maintain special rights or privileges.
What time is best for Buckingham Palace? ›
Best time to visit the Buckingham Palace
Weekend: Exploring Buckingham Palace on weekends, especially Sundays, is advantageous as it features guided tours between 10:15 AM and 1 PM, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the lavishness of the State Rooms.
Is Changing of the Guard Walking Tour worth it? ›
We learned so much on this tour and had a fun time. Highly recommend!! The best walking tour we have ever done!
What time is the changing of the Horse Guards? ›
The Life Guard change takes place here at 11:00am daily and 10:00am on Sundays. During the Trooping the Colour, the central windows are opened so members of the Royal Family can watch the King reviewing his troops below.
What time is windsor Changing of the Guard? ›
Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle encompasses colourful spectacle and British pageantry. The ceremony usually takes place at 11:00am within the Castle grounds. Currently, the Changing the Guard will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, weather permitting. There is no Changing the Guard on Sundays.
