Changing of the Guard London Private Guided Tours

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Soldiers in scarlet uniform marching with caption

The [Changing of the Guard/] is an absolute must for any first-time visitor to London. A beautiful ceremony, it marks the Guard change for Buckingham Palace and for St James's Palace, every other day at 11am (everyday in the summer — official dates are available online).

Marching in scarlet uniform in Changing of the Guard.

If you stand on the nearby main road, known as The Mall at 10.45, you will see the troop movements. Regiments of the Household Division Foot Guards, in their world-famous scarlet uniforms and tall bearskin hats, will march right in front of you. They are usually accompanied by an excellent army band. The "Old" first leaves St James's Palace and meets the "New" Guard in the front courtyard of Buckingham Palace, at 11 am precisely. There, they ceremoniously hand the Palace keys to the "New" Guard who will guard the palace for the next 24 hours.

Beware that the Guards are all professional soldiers and will not stop for anyone — so don't step in their way! They do look and sound absolutely great, though. And if you are lucky, you might be treated to a little surprise from the band, who have been known to occasionally play famous tunes such as the Star Wars soundtrack or a James Bond film theme.

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