I’ve read conflicting info on 2 “official” websites. On the Household Cavalry Museum website it says: “The Guard Change currently takes place on: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am.” On the HouseholdDivision.org website it says: “Changing of The King’s Life Guard at 11:00am (Monday - Friday)”. Can anyone clarify this for me? Also, has anyone actually gone to watch this and could give me a better idea of what to expect. I saw a great video but since then have read different versions of what happens. Thank you
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8791 posts
I’m guessing these could be two different groups of guards. I saw changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace last June. We stood on the left side of the mall, where there are nice flowerbeds. Not too crowded. We didn’t stay for the whole thing. Watched the one group leave and the next group come.
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
114 posts
Hi! I have been to see this and it is bloody spectacular!!!! That said, we saw it back in 2018, so I am fuzzy on details. Here is a really good explainer that I found: https://strawberrytours.com/horse-guards-parade-london
From what I can recall with my refreshed memory it is one set of mounted guards in scarlet coats coming in for their shift, replacing the set who were on duty. The uniforms and helmets and gloves and regalia are incredibly theatrical and impressive. And of course the horses are majestic!
The guards are all in the same unit, I believe, but the names are arcane and complex, soooo… maybe it is two divisions?
Anyway, there is good info at the link above, including detailed information on what you can also see when there, and meticulous details of public transport options.
Enjoy!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2204 posts
The family usually watch them go past somewhere along the Mall and have always enjoyed the spectacle. It's never as busy as trying to watch at Buckingham Palace and they don't have to arrive early to get a good place to watch.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you everyone.
Anybody else know the hours?
Posted by
London
1188 posts
11am. Get there early to get your spot. The Mall is probably a better spot as Wasleys mentioned above. The band will play near the fence at the front of the palace, so you can aim for that if you wish to be in the throng. There will be cops around who I'm sure will be happy to advise you where to go if you talk to them.
Posted by
Land of La
9079 posts
If memory serves if you stand on the corner on the Mall across from the Institute of Contemporary Arts you’ll be able to watch them be escorted up the Mall to the Palace.