A royal guard has been stationed at key locations across London since 1660, drawing crowds of tourists and Londoners keen to see them in person.
The King’s Guard (formerly the Queen’s Guard during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II) is instantly recognisable by members’ striking red uniforms and bearskin helmets.
There’s also a mounted division, called the King’s Life Guard, typically seen on horseback wearing plumed helmets while undertaking sentry duties. Both divisions are renowned for standing almost perfectly still while on duty.
Here’s a guide to where you can find the King’s Guard across London.
Where can you see the King's Guard in London?
In addition to watching them on sentry duty, there are several ceremonial moments throughout the week when you can catch the King’s Guard in action.
- Changing of the King’s Life Guard takes place at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- The Guard Patrol can be seen between 10.30am and 11.15am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- The Duty Officer’s Inspection happens at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Buckingham Palace
The best time to see the King’s Guard is during the Changing of the Guard, where sentries are swapped out.
This ceremony typically takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11am.
St James's Palace
The King’s Guard at St James’s Palace swaps with the Buckingham Palace Guard as part of the Changing of the Guard.
Soldiers march down the mall to change the guard between the two palaces, so you might see them in the street.
What does the King’s Guard do?
In addition to standing guard, the King’s Guard also provides the Sovereign's Escort on state occasions and for ceremonial duties.
All soldiers in the Household Cavalry are highly trained and must also actively participate in the Army’s military operations.
The level of guard service depends on whether the Sovereign is in residence in London.
A ‘Long Guard’ is mounted when the King is at Buckingham Palace and consists of an Officer, a Corporal Major (who carries the Standard), two Non-Commissioned Officers, a Trumpeter and 10 Troopers.
A ‘Short Guard’ is mounted when the King is not in residence and comprises two Non-Commissioned Officers and 10 Troopers.
