How Best to Enjoy the Changing of the Guards in London

London is a city with charming visual attractions and amazing delights. The Change of The Guard is one such ceremony that attracts visitors who come to this part of the world. The ceremony begins at eleven in the mornings on Monday to Saturday and at ten on Sundays. This half an hour ceremony is a visual delight and one really tends to get fascinated by this unique process in the city. The one at Horse Guards parade is that which is connected with the Queen’s Life Guard. These are those soldiers who come on mounted regiments. This is a ceremony that is regular. Then one has the Changing of the Guard outside the Buckingham Palace which is again a lovely feat. This is usually on the other side of the St. James Park and is held every day in the summer season in the morning. Then it is on every alternate day in during the year.

The Beauty of the Ceremony

The Foot Guards usually also are a part of the ceremony. There are five such regiments of Foot Guards and they are all dressed identically and there are some simple differences which are like the varied buttons. There are various ways of identifying the Foot Guards.

The Two Changes of Guard Ceremonies

The ceremonies are so famous and popular amongst the tourists that they arrive very early and wait for the big show to begin. One however has to be careful about their valuables and belongings while here. One can also have a look at the Household Cavalry Museum and the Royal Guards Museum before watching the ceremony as it introduces the visitor to the background of the ceremony. This is a hidden treasure cove in fact and one only can enjoy the beautiful sights like the uniform that the Duke of Wellington wore in the Battle of Waterloo.

Enjoying the Ceremony

The Change of The Guard ceremony is not the only reason why one would love the experience. The fact that the event almost explains everything that one needs to know is what makes it an overall pleasure. Enjoy the London Calendar of Annual Events and plan to get the best experiences in the city in style and elan. People usually come to the city and enjoy the beautiful experiences like the Changing of the Guard which London is famous for. There is a special charm about being here during this time.

The Four o Clock Change of Guard Ceremony

The Queen’s Life Guard is an important part of the overall ceremony. These are given by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment which is stationed at the Barracks of Hyde Park. They all guard the place and also guard the actual gateway to the beautiful palace. The Montcalm Marble Arch delights along with this special ceremony make the visits very unique.

The Guards

The red tunics and the white helmet plumes are a striking feature. The soldiers are usually from the Blues and Royals who are seen in the red and dark combination. These are usually seen alternating in a cordial manner at eleven every day. The ceremony usually is for an hour and one is usually conducted by the arch of the Horse Guards Building. This is also known by the name of Dismounting Ceremony which usually is held in the courtyard. It is a ceremony that is free for all and the guards are usually supervised by an Officer. The mounted guards are overseen by an Officer and finally the officials take the horses back to the stables. This is known by the other name Punishment Parade. In 1894, the Queen found a Guard drinking and also gambling at four in the evening and thus brought in the custom of inspecting them at four in the evening. The custom is followed till today. After the conferences hotel London evenings, one can look forward to this the next day.

How to Identify the Guards

People at times forget the fact that the Guards are all real soldiers in the British Army. The guns carried by them are real and they are trained to use them too. These men are professional and they do all that one expects them to do. There are five regiments of foot guards involved in the ceremony. They are a part of the Queen’s Guard in Buckingham Palace. To understand their rank better one has to know the components of the Guards. There is a Lance Corporal, two chevrons and a Lance Sergeant. There is also a Full Sergeant who has three gold chevrons and also wears a sash. There are some small differences in the five regiments and the main factors are the buttons on the tunic, the hackle on the bearskin etc.

The Grenadier Guards wear single buttons that are evenly spaced. There is a white plume on the left side of the cap. There is also a collar badge and a Royal Cipher on the shoulder. There is a brass belt buckle too along with a regimental cipher. The Coldstream guards have pairs of buttons with a red plume on the right of their cap. There is a Garter star on the badge on their collar and a Rose on the shoulder badge. The buckle is a brass one and has the regimental cipher. The Scots Guards wear buttons in threes and there is no plume on the bearskin. There is a thistle collar badge and a thistle star on the shoulder. The Irish Guards have buttons in fours and there is a blue plume on the right side of the cap. There is a shamrock on the badge in the collar. There is a St. Patrick Star on the shoulder badge. The Welsh Guards has buttons in fives and has a white and green plume on the left of the cap.