Ceremony of the Keys

I just did this at the beginning of the month. It was a wonderful experience. The whole ceremony will be explained to you so you will understand what is happening. You are right - no pictures and no talking. Enjoy! Kristen

Yes, after 9 trips to London finally got to see it last year. Enjoyed it. Hopefully, you'll get the Beefeater we got that had a James Cagney demeanor and was all business. Told a fellow yank politely but firmly to be quiet or leave. Said yank took offense, embarrassed himself and his girl friend and much to everyone's pleasure was escorted off the property. When you're witnessing a centuries old tradition best to show respect. One caveat, the group witnessing it will be larger than you think as there are VIPS who are invited to attend.
Doesn't take very long but I was thrilled to witness it.

Even though Pauline Frommer's guidebook lists the Ceremony as being one of the most overrated things to see while visiting London I nonetheless sent in an application and received a ticket. I look forward to seeing this. There is a video on youtube that shows this ceremony. Not clear as to how the person was able to film it.

Just thought of a couple of questions...does everybody stand during this, and if so, is it a good idea to get 'in the front' of the row, to see things better? Or does it matter?

Margaret,
Yes everyone stands, and there are strict guidelines about photography or conversation during the ceremony. You might find the view better if you stay near the "front." After you enter the complex, you'll be walked along the inner wall to an area between the Bloody Tower and Traitor's Gate. You'll be asked to stand on the curb with your back to Traitor's Gate, looking at the tower. It is here that the ceremony takes place, so you may want to stay to the left side of the line as you walk there, and don't be too eager to be right up against the Traitor's Gate. Since groups are kept relatively small, I don't think any location is particularly bad, but by staying to the left as you walk in might cause you to be in the front rank of the audience. It really is a one of a kind experience. Enjoy. (Also, get there on time. You will not be let in if you are late)

We got tickets well in advance of our visit to London last September and we really enjoyed the ceremony. It was a small group lead by a Yeoman Warder, Beefeater, and he explained the tradition, history and protocols of the ceremony. Well worth the time and effort to procure the free tickets in advance. I highly recommend attending!

One very important thing......I would strongly suggest that you get to the gate by 9:15pm to be safe..they open the gate at 9:35pm to let people, the gate is only open for a minute or two, once they close the gates they will not reopen them. I have seen it twice where they just closed the gate and people walk up with their ticket in hand but was not admitted.

There's a short youtube clip of the Ceremony of the Keys on this website: http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/keys/index.htm

Ditto to what everyone said. There are only 50 people at a time I think - but then there are the VIPs. There isn't a huge amount to "see" so you really don't need to worry about being up front. The part that happens in the "yard" is pretty easy to see. There is something really cool about standing at a castle gate in London and having the Yeoman Warder call your name off a list. We really enjoyed it. I'm sure you will too! :)