Changing the Guard

The proper name of the ceremony known as 'Changing the Guard' is actually Guard Mounting. In this - one of the oldest and most familiar of all royal ceremonies - a New Guard exchanges duty with the Old Guard, drawn from one of the regiments of Foot Guards. The handover is accompanied by a Guards band. The music played ranges from traditional military marches to songs from the shows and even familiar pop songs. The responsibility of guarding the Sovereign by the Household Troops dates back to 1660. The guards you will see in front of Buckingham Palace are not just ceremonial guards but also serving soldiers and are known as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army.