Less spectacular than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the changing of Horse Guards is more fun for children by the presence of horses. Unlike Buckingham, the changing of the Horse Guards attracts fewer people and does not take place behind a grid. This makes it easier to see the guards and take better photos.
The Horse Guards also host prestigious events such as The Trooping the Colour, The Major Genral's and Colonel's review, not to mention the famous military music concert: Beating Retreat. Explanations !!
Who are the Horse Guards?
The Horse Guards, which represent the cavalry regiments of the Royal House, belong to the two oldest regiments of the British army:
- the Blues and Royals in dark blue tunic
- the Life Guards, in red tunics
The horses of the Horse Guards are black, with the exception of the musicians who are gray.
Where are the Horse Guards located?
Located on Whitehall, the Horse Guards building is a stone's throw from the Prime Minister's Residence -10 Downing Street- and between St James Park and Trafalgar Square.
What is the itinerary of the Horse Guards Changing of the Guard?
The guard leaves Hyde Park Barrack at 10:28 a.m. on weekdays and 9:28 a.m. on Sundays. It crosses Green Park by Constitution Hill, follows The Mall and finally arrives on Horse Guards Road. It is here, on the other side of the building that the ceremony takes place.
When does the Horse Guards Changing of the Guard ceremony take place?
Every day at 11:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
How long does the changing of the guard for the Horse Guards last?
A half hour.
Tips to see the changing of the guard of the Horse Guards as well as possible and take the best photos!
You can first position yourself on the path of the guards. You will see the horses pass in front of you without being hampered by the crowds and can take great photos. Then in a second step, join the main square of Horse Guards Parade where the rising and falling guards come face to face. After exchanging inaudible words, the guards remain static for 30 minutes, which can be a bit tedious!
Finally, unlike the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, there is no fanfare! Given the same schedules during the week, you will have to choose between the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and that of Horse Guards Parade. However, on Sundays you can try to spot both with the disadvantage of not arriving in Buckingham early enough to get the best view!
What happens before and after the changing of the guard for the Horse Guards?
The building is guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 00 p.m. by two cavalry soldiers. This is the opportunity to get as close as possible to them to admire their uniforms and have their picture taken by their side!
The Troop Review: 4 O'Clock Parade - Dismounting Ceremony
Every day at 16 p.m. in the small courtyard behind the horse boxes, an officer inspects the uniforms of the foot and horse guards one by one. At the end of this short ceremony lasting between 15 and 20 minutes, the horses are sent to the stables for the night, before resuming service the next morning at 10 a.m. The yard is then watched by a couple of infantry until the horses return.
This ceremony, which is little known to tourists, is an alternative to the Changing of the Buckingham Guard which gives the opportunity to see the guards very closely !!!
The Changing of the Guard of the Horse Guards in the rain?
In rainy weather, riders are exempt from duty.
The Trooping the Color: Queen Elisabeth II's birthday
Every year in June, the Horse Guards celebrate the birthday of Queen Elisabeth II during a military parade.
This event attracts several thousand people who concentrate along the Whitehall, or for the lucky ones in the stands.
How to attend? And what are the good plans? All information in the article: Trooping of the colour.
Where is the Horse Guards barracks located?
Address : Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX
Metro
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