Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
About the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace multiple times per week. Since it is not every day, I highly recommend checking the schedule posted on the Household Division Website. You can access the schedule HERE.
On days where the ceremony does take place, the New Guard arrives at Buckingham Palace around 10:45 am. The New Guard then takes over for the Old Guard in a ceremony that lasts around 45 minutes. There is no charge to view the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
To get the best views of the ceremony, you will need to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. This is especially true on summer days with good weather.
There are multiple Tube (subway) stations that are within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. These stations include Westminster, St. James’ Park, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner, and Charing Cross.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace - Table of Contents
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My Experience Watching the Changing of the Guard
I arrived at about 9:15 am for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony scheduled for 10:45 am. My cousin and his spouse were with me, and they held my spot near the entrance to Buckingham Palace while I walked around the grounds. Around 9:45 am, I received a text telling me to come to hold my place as the crowd was starting to build.
From my spot near the fence, I was able to get some great pictures of the Old Guard who was still stationed outside Buckingham Palace.
The members of the Old Guard continued to march until the New Guard arrived at 10:45 am.
Around 10:45 am, the New Guard arrived led by the Queen’s Guard Military Band.
The band arrived inside the gates of Buckingham Palace and the ceremony began.
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony lasted around 45 minutes. I highly recommend watching the ceremony during your visit to London.
Changing of the Guard Tours and Packages
There is no charge to watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. A tour is not necessary, as it is easy to get to Buckingham Palace via the London Tube (subway). If you prefer to see the Changing of the Guard as part of a tour or package, I have linked three tours below that caught my eye. Please note, that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase a tour using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of June 2023.
 Royal London Sightseeing Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Thames River Cruise - $68.81 Tick off London’s most famous sights in one day with a 3.5-hour royal sightseeing tour and Thames River cruise. Travel by coach through the English capital’s most recognizable areas and see top attractions like Kensington Palace and Big Ben. Then, watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace before strolling to the Thames River for your cruise. Travel between Westminster and Tower Pier, gliding past London’s most noteworthy attractions, including the London Eye and the Tower of London. |
 London Walking Tour Including Fast-Track Westminster Abbey Visit and Changing of the Guard - $98.94 Visit Westminster Abbey and get a front-row view of the Changing of the Guard on this 2.5-hour London walking tour. With a knowledgeable guide, get fast-track admission to Westminster Abbey; see College Garden, thought to be the oldest garden in England; and spot the graves of Dickens, Tennyson and other revered writers. Then, experience firsthand the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard as you watch the Household Cavalry perform by the Horse Guards Parade or the Queen’s Foot Guards march to Buckingham Palace. |
 Royal London Walking Tour Including Early Access to the Tower of London and Changing of The Guard - $110.50 See the best of London’s royal highlights on a 4-hour walking tour. Begin with an early access visit to the infamous Tower of London, where you’ll see the opening ceremony and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels. Then, soak up the sights during a 30-minute Thames River cruise before taking in the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade. End your tour outside the palace, where you’ll learn about Queen Elizabeth II and the history of the British Royal Family. |
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