Rising from 1660, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London is a spectacular event held at two locations in the city: in front of Buckingham Palace and at the Horse Guards Parade, opposite the St. James Palace, headquarters of the Royal Guard.
The most famous Changing of the Guard takes place daily in front of Buckingham Palace and the ceremony starts at 11 am; the soldiers making up The Queen’s Guard depart from Wellington Barracks and, after a 5-minute walk accompanied by a marching band, arrive at the square in front of the Queen’s residence.
Here begins the actual ceremony, which lasts 40 minutes and delights tourists and Londoners who gather in the surroundings a couple of hours early to watch not only the march but also the actual changing. The event can be canceled, especially during heavy rain.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place every day from April to July (except Sundays), while on alternate days for the rest of the year.
The ceremony at the Horse Guards, however, can also be admired on Sundays and, only on this day, at 10 am instead of the usual 11 am.
