LONDON TAXI TOUR

CHANGING OF THE  GUARD

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a popular visitor attraction. The majority of people congregate outside Buckingham Palace. A smaller but better-informed crowd can be found outside St James Palace and half an hour earlier in Horse Guards Parade.

Soldiers from the Grenadiers, Coldstreams, Scots, Irish or Welsh Guards regiments, normally guard the palaces in London. Mounted troopers from the Blues and Royals or the Household Cavalry regiments normally guard the Whitehall entrance to Horse guards. These 7 regiments make up the Household Division and are the Sovereigns bodyguard.

The Navy, Air force and also other regiments from various (Commonwealth) countries also take turns in guarding Buckingham Palace. (Much to the confusion of some visitors to London).

Until the 1950’s the guardsmen on duty used to stand outside the gates, but now they stand well back. If you wish to have a picture with the guards it is best to go too St James Palace. At Horse guards parade or in Whitehall you can have your picture taken with the mounted Guards.