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The Household Divisions

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To find out more about the main ceremonial events undertaken by the British Army, use the drop down menu below.

Summary of Locations

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The Guards Museum

The Guards Chapel

The Guards shop


Where to see The Guards

 

 

 

Summary of Locations

 

Horse Guards:

The Life Guards and Blues and Royals mount Queen's Life Guard on alternate days at Horse Guards' Arch in Whitehall, traditionally the official entrance to Buckingham Palace. The Guard normally mounts daily at 11.00 a.m. (Sunday 10.00 a.m.).

Buckingham Palace:

The Queen's London home is protected day and night by Her Majesty's Guards. The ceremony of handing over the duty of Queen's Guard from one regiment to another takes place 11.30 a.m. every day in the summer and on alternate days for the rest of the year.

Sentries are also posted at St. James Palace, the Tower of London and at Windsor Castle.

 

The Tower of London:

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The Regiment on duty at Buckingham Palace also mounts a guard at the Tower of London daily at 11.30 a.m.

The Ceremony of the Keys takes place 10pm. Passes to see the ceremony can be obtained from the Tower of London.

Trooping The Colour:

The ancient ceremony of Trooping the Colour also known as The Queen's Birthday Parade ,takes place at horse Guards in June each year in honour of the Sovereign's Official Birthday. The Guards Regiments and their Massed bands provide a military spectacle unsurpassed in the world.

 

Beating Retreat:

The Massed Bands of the Household Division traditionally perform Beating Retreat on Horse Guards on two evenings in June.

Windsor Castle:

The Windor Castle Guard generally changes at 11.30 a.m. daily in summer and on alternate days in winter

NOTE:
Guard mounting ceremonies may be cancelled during adverse weather conditions. In winter months, guard mounting generally takes place every other day (i.e. 48 hour duties)

 

The Guards Museum:

Visitors to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace should also visit The Guards Museum, just a short walk along Birdcage Walk in Wellington Barracks.

Here you will see over 300 years of history, colour and pageant beautifully displayed, adding meaning to the events you have just witnessed. You will also see the weaponry, colours, trophies and personel effects of the men who fought bravely in battles from Waterloo and the Crimea to the Gulf War.

Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm daily including Bank holidays. Closed throughout January. Tickets are £2.00 Pensioners and students £1.00 ; Children under 16 FREE.

The Guards Toy Soldier Centre:

Next door is London's biggest seletion of new and antique toy soldiers from all the famous makers. Visit the Website: www.MKLmodels.co.uk

Nearest Tube Station: St James's Park.

The Guards Book Shop:

Other useful information on the Guards can be found in the Guards Book Shop also in Birdcage Walk- close to Buckingham Palace. This small shop offers a range of affordable Guards souvenir items, as well as literature on the history, life and work of the Guards Regiments. It also has tourist guides to The Royal Mews and Buckingham Palace.

Nearest Tube Station: Victoria

 

 

The Guards Chapel:

The Guards Chapel, in the same precinct as the Museum, is generally open to the public

 

 

 

 

The Guards Shop:

The Guards Shop in Wellington Barracks, is open daily from 09.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

The building was built in 1933 as one of the Picquet Rooms of Wellington Barracks. It was renovated and restored in 1979-80 and is now used as The Guards Shop, from which you may obtain books, postcards, mementos and information on the Household Division.





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Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, personnel must confirm details through the chain of command or with their Administrative Office before taking any action or making any commitment. Last Reviewed: 1 Oct 03