Changing of the Guards FAQ

Which Regiments take part in the parade? The queens guard usually consists of the Household division Foot Guards, comprising the Life Guards; Scots Guards; Welsh Guards; Coldstream Guards; Blues and Royals and Grenadier Guards. However dependent upon commitments other units may participate in place of them if they are unavailable.

Is the famous Bearskin hat really made of Bearskin?
The standard bearskin of the British Foot Guards is 18 inches tall, weighs one and a half pounds and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear.

Can I try a Bearskin Hat on? Yes you can!! In the Guards museum there is one you can try on for size. It also has uniforms and medals on display and a history of the foot guards.

Can I get a tour of Buckingham Palace London? Tours of the lavish Buckingham Palace State Rooms are available but only during the period 26 July – 24 September.

When does the Buckingham Palace State Room open and how long does the visit last? The State Rooms open at 09:45 and closes at 18:00, with last admission at 15:45. A visit lasts between 2 and 2½ hours.

How much does admission to the State Rooms cost? Adult £14.00;
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £12.50 ; Under 17 £8.00; Under 5 Free;
Family £36.00 (2 adults, 3 under 17s).

Will the Queen be there and will I see her? When the Queen is in residence the Royal Standard will be flying from the mast above Buckingham palace. But usually she goes on her summer holidays to Balmoral in Scotland during this time period.

For the best view of the changing of ther guards? Arrive early and stand as near as you can to the railings at the Victoria Monument.

Want a picture of a guard with you standing next to him? At St James’ Palace, walk all the way past the courtyard at the Palace and turn round the corner, you are now in Pall Mall at this spot there is a guard standing all on his own. Simply go and stand next to him and pass your friend the camera.

How do you know if the Queen is actual at Buckingham palace? When the Queen is there then she has four sentries at the front – when she is away there are only two.

What are the nearest Tubes stations? Victoria tube and railway station, St James Park Tube or Green Park Tube

How do I get there by Bus? Numbers 11, 211, 239, C1 and C10 buses all stop on Buckingham Palace Road

Can I watch changing the Guards anywhere else? Changing of the Guards takes place at Windsor Castle in June and July everyday at 11:00 am. Tower Of London 11:00 am daily and at Horse Guards Arch 11:00 am during the week but at 10:00 am on Sundays.

What should I do if its cancelled due to rain? Why not go to the Guards museum. It has uniforms and medals on display together with dioramas depicting the battles which the Guards have been involved in, from the English Civil War to the present day.

How can you tell which regiment the different guards are from? This can be done by observing the colour of the plume, and what side it is worn on the bearskin, button spacing, the collar badge and the shoulder badge. When all five regiments parade together, they are in the order Grenadier Guards on the right flank, then Scots Guards, Welsh Guards, Irish Guards and Coldstream Guards on the left flank.