Are they real soldiers?

Yes! The five regiments of Foot Guards are made up of full, serving soldiers as part of the British Army.

They have a unique dual role - undertaking the ceremonial duties they are world-famous for at the Royal Palaces, while also being highly trained, frontline infantry soldiers.

This has been true from the beginning of the British Army to the present day, and their work has taken them all over the world in combat and in peacetime. What you see at the palaces is just one part of a Guardsman's career and duties.

Related FAQs

It can get very busy near to Buckingham Palace at the time of the ceremony. You will need to arrive well in advance of 11:00, when the New Guard arrive at the Palace, to secure a good view.

A lesser known alternative is to watch the New Guard at Wellington Barracks, on Birdcage Walk. Arrive around 10:00, where you will see the Guard on the Parade Square from 10:15, accompanied by a Band. They will remain here until 10:57, when they depart from the Barracks and march up the road to Buckingham Palace.

For the best view of the Guard as they depart, stand close to the gate. However, you will get a good view of the Guard and accompanying band as they prepare for duties all the way along the fence outside the Barracks on Birdcage Walk - so don't be afraid to spread out if you'd like to avoid the crowds.

The Guards are most recognised in their scarlet tunics and tall bearskin caps. However, there are multiple types of uniform you may see throughout the year, depending on when you visit and who is on duty.

The Guards typically cycle between two uniforms for Public Duties - Summer, and Winter Order dress. The change between the two aligns with Daylight Saving Time, the transition from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time. Summer Order is the iconic scarlet tunic, worn from April to October. This is swapped for long, grey greatcoats in the coldest months of the year, from October to March.

However, there are also times when you may not see Guards in these ceremonies at all. Guest units occasionally perform Public Duties, and will wear ceremonial uniforms unique to their own regiments. Check the schedule tab to see who is on duty, and learn more.

If you're visiting during the winter months, the museum has scarlet tunics to try on year-round, so you can step into Summer Order yourself - no matter the season.

There are always Police Officers present during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, from the Metropolitan Police. Their role is to assist with security, crowd control, and public safety throughout. You may see them on horseback, on bicycles, or on foot, as well as Met Police volunteers amongst the crowds.

However, you should always be vigilant of your personal possessions. Like any crowded place, pick pockets have been known to operate in this area. Should you see any suspicious behaviour, report it to a Police Officer.

Unfortunately, as an outdoor ceremony, adverse weather can sometimes impact ceremonial activity. Wherever possible, the ceremony will go ahead as usual, but there may be occasions where the ceremony is altered or even cancelled without prior warning.

A 'wet mount' may occur in the event of rain. This means that while the soldiers will still march from Wellington Barracks to the Palaces, they will do so without musical accompaniment. The public will typically not see the preparation for duties, including the inspection and presentation of the Regimental Colour.

This decision often cannot be taken until the morning of, or even during, the ceremony. As such, it is frequently not possible to warn visitors and spectators when a 'wet mount' will occur. Should information be received in advance, we will post this under 'Updates' on the Schedule tab wherever possible.