Changing of the Guard

As you can imagine, such an important building demands a heavy security presence. The Palace is guarded by five regiments of Foot Guards who are easily recognised by their red jackets and unusually tall black fuzzy hats, known as ‘bearskins’. Since the Palace must be closely surveilled at all times, there are Guards on duty twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

Each morning at 11:30am, the regiments switch round in a process known as the ‘changing of the guard’. Visitors to Buckingham Palace can watch this take place through the gates.