Troop movements before, during, and after Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, with times and maps to help you see every element of the ceremony.
Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace and Wellington Barrack are the three locations between which the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place.
Walking between these locations lets you see more of the Guards and Bands taking part in the ceremony, plus a chance to get some great photographs.
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 guideto see more of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Scroll down this page to read more...
Troop Movement Timings
Before, during and after the Changing of the Guard ceremony troop movements take place between Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace and Wellington Barracks.
Before the Ceremony
10:25: The St James's Palace Detachment of The Queen's Guard form up on Friary Court for inspection
10:30:New Guard form up on the parade square at Wellington Barracks for inspection, while the Band accompanying them play a selection of music.
10:43: St. James's Palace Detachment of the The Queen's Guard step off for Buckingham Palace.
(Sentries remain at their post until replaced by a part of the New Guard).
You can see the Old Guard being inspected, and when present, hear the St James Palace Band, from Marlborough Road from just before 10:25.
10:45: Household Cavalry ride past Buckingham Palace on their way to mount The Queen's Life Guard at Horse Guards.
10:57: The New Guard step off, from Wellington Barracks, for Buckingham Palace.
During the Ceremony
11:00: Official start time for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
11:10: St. James's Palace relief leaves Buckingham Palace.
11:25: St. James's Palace contingent, of the Old Guard, leaves St. James's Palace.
11:37: The Old Guard of The Queen's Life Guard rides past on their way back to Hyde Park Barracks.
After the Ceremony
11:40: Old Guard leaves Buckingham Palace for Wellington Barracks.
11:45: St. James's Palace Detachment of The Queen's Guard leaves Buckingham Palace.
The Buckingham Palace Detachment of The Queen's Guard then retire to the guardroom.
For the next 24/48 hours the Guardsmen will spend 2 hours on sentry duty and 4 hours off.
