The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Date & Times of the Guard Mounting in 2023

About The Guard Change

What's the pomp and ceremony all about, then?
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This longstanding tradition is a symbol of the continuity and stability of the British Monarchy and is a sight to behold.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at the palace gates, where the old guard, known as the "Old Guard," hands over their duties to the new guard, known as the "New Guard." The ceremony is a formal process and is conducted with great precision and attention to detail.

As the Old Guard marches out, the New Guard, led by a officer, march in to take their place. The ceremony is accompanied by music from a military band, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. The guards are all soldiers from the Household Division, which is made up of soldiers from the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry. They are all highly trained and dedicated to their duties.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is not just a display of military tradition and pageantry but it also serves a very important purpose. The guards at Buckingham Palace are responsible for the security of the palace and its inhabitants, including King Charles III, and the ceremony ensures that the palace is always protected by the best soldiers.

This ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to witness a piece of British history and tradition. And we are honored to be able to share it with you on our London Landmarks & Secret Gems tour. We hope you enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony as much as we do and that it leaves a lasting impression on you.

Long Live the King!
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When does the Changing of the Guard take place?

Changing of the Guard Times

The Changing of the Guard spans three locations, Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks.

Normal timings are:

10:43 Old Guard leaves St James's Palace
10:57 New Guard leaves Wellington Barrack
11:00 Official Start Time
11:10 St James's Palace relief leaves Buckingham Palace
11:25 Relieved sentries leave St James's Palace
11:40 Old Guard leaves Buckingham Palace
11:45 St James's Palace Guard leaves Buckingham Palace

Note: Always check the date you plan to visit.

Times can change and on occasions the Guard Mount without music or ceremony.

August to May

The Changing of the Guard happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

June and July

June and July 2023 - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
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See The Highlights Of The Changing Of The Guard On A Bike Tour

Learn More

Changing the Guard Schedule February 2023

Confirmed dates, times and details of the Regiments and Bands scheduled for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in February 2023.

 

Wednesday 1 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Coldstream Guards
Band of the Irish Guards

Remarks

-

Friday 3 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Scots Guards
Band of the Grenadier Guards

Remarks

-

Sunday 5 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Household Cavalry
Band of the Grenadier Guards

Remarks

-

Monday 6 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Household Cavalry
1st Bn. Welsh Guards Corps of Drums

Remarks

-

Wednesday 8 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

Number 12 Company Irish Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Grenadier Guards
Irish Guards Pipes & Drums

Remarks

-

Friday 10 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Household Cavalry
Irish Guards Pipes & Drums

Remarks

-

Sunday 12 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Coldstream Guards
1st Bn. Welsh Guards Corps of Drums

Remarks

-

Monday 13 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Grenadier Guards
Band of the Coldstream Guards

Remarks

-

Wednesday 15 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Irish Guards
1st Bn. Welsh Guards Corps of Drums

Remarks

-

Friday 17 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Coldstream Guards
1st Bn. Welsh Guards Corps of Drums

Remarks

-

Sunday 19 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Scots Guards
1st Bn. Welsh Guards Corps of Drums

Remarks

-

Monday 20 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Scots Guards
Band of the Coldstream Guards

Remarks

-

Wednesday 22 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Coldstream Guards
Band of the Scots Guards

Remarks

-

Friday 24 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

1st Battalion Welsh Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Coldstream Guards
1st Bn. Welsh Guards Corps of Drums

Remarks

-

Sunday 26 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

23 Parachute Engineer Regiment

Musical Support:

Band of the Scots Guards
Band of the Welsh Guards

Remarks

-

Monday 27 February @ 11:00

The King's Guard:

Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards

Musical Support:

Band of the Scots Guards
Band of the Welsh Guards

Remarks

-

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