Changing of the Guard is a formal ceremony in which the group of soldiers currently protecting Buckingham Palace are replaced by a new group of soldiers. Elite soldiers have guarded the King or Queen since the reign of Henry VII who made the Royal Body Guard a permanent institution which has spanned over 520 years of history.
The King's Guard in London comprises two detachments: the Buckingham Palace Detachment and the St James's Palace Detachment.
The soldiers currently on duty form up in front of the Palace and are relieved by the New Guard which arrives from Wellington Barracks. The ceremony reflects traditions and represents a formal handover of responsibilities, accompanied by a Band or Corps of Drums.
The King's Life Guard are the mounted troopers of the Household Cavalry who guard the official entrance to St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace outside Horse Guards in Whitehall.
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and on Sunday at 11am.
in Windsor, the Windsor Castle Guard takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday at 11am and consists of the New Guard marching from Victoria Barracks, Windsor led by a Band or Corps of Drums. Once at the Castle the Guard conduct a ceremonial handover of responsibilities before the Old Guard marches back to Victoria Barracks.
The Household Cavalry change guard on Horse Guards Parade daily at 11am (10am on Sundays). On days of rehearsals or other events taking place on Horse Guards, the Guard Change can move to 4pm.