Changing of the Guard is a vibrant and colourful event highlighting Royal Heritage, traditions and customs. The Royal Guard defend the Queen and watching the Guard Change is on every visitors itinerary of must do in London. This ceremony is full of pomp and circumstance and is set to music played by military bandsmen. Best of all it's a free event!

• Changing of the Guard takes place in June 2013 every day
• Changing of the Guard takes place in July 2013 every day

Guard Change at Buckingham Palace

•11:15 Guards,with bands, start arriving

•11:30 Official start time

•12:00 Guard change ceremony ends

We recommend getting there early to get a good viewing position, especially in the busy Summer months.

The Guard which changes at Buckingham Palace is called the Queen's Guard and has 2 detachments. The Buckingham Palace detachment guards Buckingham Palace and the St James's detachment guards St James's Palace. The Household Division usually provides the Guards duty and they are the soldiers you see standing on guard in front of Buckingham Palace.

The Household Division comprise two regiments of the Household Cavalry, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals plus five Regiments of Foot Guards;

• The Grenadier Guards
• The Coldstream Guards
• The Scots Guards
• The Irish Guards
• The Welsh Guards

The guards taking part in the change of duty are part of the Household Regiment and usually wear red tunics and bearskin hats. In busy Summer months other regiments take part and you may see different coloured uniforms. The Guards are professional military soldiers guarding the Queen.