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The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony in the UK that symbolises royal authority. It is a tradition that has been practised for centuries and will continue to be practised for centuries to come, but with more tourists coming to London, it is an excellent time to visit.
The Changing of the Guard was originally held every day at 11:30am from May 1901 until July 1917. In 1919 it was changed to every other day, but now there are only two guards on duty. On these days the ceremony starts at 11:00 am and lasts until 2:00 pm.
The most famous Changing of the Guard takes place in London, at Buckingham Palace.
But keep in mind that the palace is located in the Westminster district, which has a lot to offer tourists, as many Free Tours we have to offer you here at GuruWalk, so that you don't miss out on all that this experience can bring to you.
Buckingham Palace is one of London's most visited tourist attractions and has a long history.
The building we know today as Buckingham Palace was commissioned by King George III in 1763, and was the last great royal palace to be built in Europe. Its original purpose was to provide a grand ceremonial centre for a monarch who saw himself at the head of an empire that stretched across Europe and North America.
The site for this new palace had to be large enough to accommodate both the king's residence and the office of his prime minister, which is why it was built in this location on the outskirts of London, close to Parliament.
Consequently, it was to be not only a palace but also an important government building with space for ministers, clerks, messengers, cells and stables.
It is here that the Changing of the Guard takes place.
As mentioned above, we are in the heart of the Westminster district, in the centre of London. In addition to the palace itself, there are also many other government institutions, and other tourist attractions such as Westminster Abbey and the famous Big Ben.