Changing of the Guard London — The Complete 2026 Guide to Buckingham Palace's Most Iconic Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is London's most famous event — a living piece of British history that is open to everyone. In 2026, the Changing of the Guard schedule runs on selected Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with the Buckingham Palace ceremony starting at 11:00am. The full spectacle lasts approximately 45 minutes and is completely free — no tickets required.
ChangingoftheGuardLondon.com is your definitive, expert-verified source for 2026 Changing of the Guard times, dates, viewing tips, route maps, and insider advice — trusted by thousands of visitors every month. For information on joining an award-winning best Changing of the Guard Tour click here.
How the Changing of the Guard Works — The Complete Ceremony Explained
1) 10:30 AM — The First Inspection:
Duration: 10 mins | Location: Friary Court, St James's Palace.
The St. James's Palace detachment of the Old Guard lines up in Friary Court for an immaculate military inspection by their Captain. Concurrently, the Buckingham Palace detachment of the Old Guard forms up inside the main palace forecourt for their own inspection.
Where to Watch: Stand on Marlborough Road, right across from Friary Court. You will be just feet away from the soldiers with zero crowd barriers.
Expert Tip: This is the absolute best spot for close-up photos and families with young kids who want to avoid the crushing crowds at Buckingham Palace.
2) 10:40 AM — The New Guard Tunes Up:
Duration: 5 mins | Location: Wellington Barracks (Birdcage Walk).
Over at Wellington Barracks, the New Guard and the Full Regimental Band form a giant circle. The band begins playing a brief musical program while they await the arrival of the Regimental Colour (the official flag).
Where to Watch: Peer through the black iron railings of Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk.
Expert Tip: If you care more about hearing the military band play high-quality music than seeing the actual gate handover, skip the palace entirely and stay here.
3) 10:43 AM — The Old Guard Steps Off:
Duration: 3 mins | Location: St James's Palace to The Mall.
The St. James’s Palace detachment marches out of the gates, headed toward Buckingham Palace. They are preceded by a full Corps of Drums or a Regimental Band.
Where to Watch: Stand on the pavement of The Mall near Marlborough Road.
Expert Tip: As soon as they march past you down The Mall, safely cross the road and walk parallel to them through St. James’s Park to beat them to the palace.
4) 10:45 AM — The Old Guards Unite:
Duration: 14 mins | Location: Buckingham Palace Forecourt.
The St. James’s Palace detachment enters Buckingham Palace through the South Centre Gate. They line up directly alongside the Buckingham Palace detachment on the south side of the courtyard. The unified Old Guard now waits for their replacements.
Where to Watch: Press up against the south-side railings of the Buckingham Palace Forecourt.
Expert Tip: If you arrive later than 10:30AM, do not try to squeeze into this crowd. Head to the Victoria Memorial steps instead.
5) 10:57 AM — The New Guard Advances:
Duration: 3 mins | Location: Birdcage Walk to Spur Road.
The New Guard marches out of Wellington Barracks in formation, accompanied by the Regimental Band. They march down Birdcage Walk turning onto Spur Road toward the palace.
Where to Watch: Spur Road opposite the Palace
Expert Tip: Stand on the park side of the pavement so that you get a great view of the Guards as they march into the Palace.
6) 11:00 AM — The Handover:
Duration: 35 mins | Location: Buckingham Palace Forecourt.
The New Guard enters through the North Centre Gate. The band plays the New Guard’s Regimental Slow March as they advance toward the Old Guard. The Captains meet, salute with swords, and symbolically hand over the Keys to the Palace.
Where to Watch: The steps of the Victoria Memorial (The "Birthday Cake" monument) facing the palace gates.
Expert Tip: Sitting higher up on the steps gives you an elevated, panoramic view over the crowd barriers.
7) 11:35 AM — The Old Guard Departs:
Duration: 5 mins | Location: Centre Gate to The Mall.
The handover is complete. The Old Guard is called to attention, advances toward the New Guard, and exits through the Centre Gate. The band leads them out as they switch to a quick-time march back to Wellington Barracks to stand down.
Where to Watch: The south crescent outside Buckingham Palace.
Expert Tip: Keep your eyes on the roof of Buckingham Palace. If the Royal Standard flag is flying, the King is present.
8) 11:40 AM — The New St James's Detachment Marches:
Duration: 5 mins | Location: North Gate to St James's Palace.
The remaining guards inside the palace divide into two. The soldiers assigned to guard St. James’s Palace march out of the North Gate, carrying the Regimental Colour down The Mall to secure the St. James's Guard Room.
Where to Watch: The north crescent outside Buckingham Palace.
Expert Tip: You can actually walk safely on the pavement alongside this final marching group all the way back to St. James’s Palace, giving you a dynamic, moving view of the troops up close.
Important Information
🌧️ Wet Change. In bad weather the ceremony may be adapted to a ‘Wet Change’. This will be decided by the Captain at approximately 10:30am on the day of the ceremony. Please note that a ‘Wet Change’ ceremony does not include music and the Guards will wear Greycoats instead.
🚨 Don't block the Guards. The King's Guard will not stop or deviate for anyone standing in their path. If you are in the way, you will hear the order: "Make way for The King's Guard." Please respect the route and stay clear.
👮 Police are always present throughout the ceremony to ensure a safe and well-managed event. However, as with any large crowd in central London, keep your personal belongings close — pickpockets are known to operate in busy tourist areas. Report anything suspicious to an officer immediately. Click here to visit the Met Police.
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