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What is the Changing the Guard tradition? 31 fun facts about the historic ceremony

Jack Slater

3 July 2024 at 11:00 am

Changing the Guard is another example of Britain doing what it does best - pomp and ceremony. But what is the tradition really all about?

What is Changing the Guard all about?

There are four posts protected by the Guards

What actually happens during the Changing the Guard?

How to watch the Changing the Guard

How old is Changing the Guard?

Who takes part in Changing the Guard?

What is the monarch's role?

Henry VII was the first to appoint an official Guard

Who makes up The Household Division?

Being one of the Guards is a voluntary honour

History was made in 2017

The guards wear red for a number of reasons

What do the guards do during the ceremony?

It’s a heavy burden – literally

And the band play on…

The guards can be used to lift the spirit of the nation

Inspiration can come from anywhere

The band get feedback – and it’s not always positive

You might be lucky enough to catch a mascot

Guards won’t move out of your way

They really do have to ignore you

There are more divisions and regiments posted elsewhere

It’s been immortalised in pop culture

If you hear gunshots during, there’s a special reason

It was an all-male affair until 2007

Pay close attention to other colours visible

There was no Changing of the Guard in September 2022

The Queen broke with history for a poignant reason

Occasionally, overseas regiments are invited to take part

In April 2024, the French guarded the Palace

Other active regiments are sometimes invited

Changing the Guard is another example of Britain doing what it does best - pomp and ceremony. But what is the tradition really all about?

Does anyone in the world do pageantry quite like the British Royal Family?

From moments that will go down in history like Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding and King Charles' Coronation, the world watches as the little island puts on one huge show.

And, quite frankly, they get plenty of practice with the likes of the annual Trooping the Colour parade and the Changing the Guard ceremony, which takes place multiple times a week.

But what's Changing the Guard all about? We gathered all the facts about the tradition.

Getty Images

Changing the Guard is another example of Britain doing what it does best - pomp and ceremony. But what is the tradition really all about?

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