Changing the Guard occurs three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Although the section at Buckingham Palace is at 11am, the event begins at St James Palace at around 10.40am. On Sundays there is an event called the Sunday Parade – similar to the Changing the Guard, but with important differences.
The ceremony has been modified greatly during the past few centuries, but it can trace its history back to the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 when King Charles II brought his personal bodyguard – known as the Life Guard – with him to London.
This is a new addition to London’s ceremonial calendar, introduced in April 2025. Much like Changing the Guard, this event involves foot guards, marching, music, and occurs in the same area. The main difference is that the Sunday Parade celebrates the role of the Colour (regimental flag) and involves one regiment of guard rather than the usual two.
