London is an ancient city steeped in royal pomp and ceremony, one of the best known of these ceremonies being the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace London ….

The household troops (the queens troops) have guarded the sovereign and the royal palaces since 1660. When Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham palace in 1837 the queens troops remained at the old St James Palace. Therefore everyday a detachment of troops was and still is marched up from St James Palace to replace those guarding the Queen at Buckingham palace. Click this link for a more detailed description of the ceremony changing of the guard.

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.