21
Apr
I would put The Changing of The Guard in my Top Five things to do in London. In fact, I’ve been to watch the guards six or seven times now. No matter how many times I visit London. It’s one of my favourite things to do.
This was my first ever Changing of The Guard so I didn’t know what to expect. As always, I didn’t stress about not getting any shots. I used this as a sort of reconnaissance mission and if I was lucky to see anything, then all good. Now that I’ve been, I believe that I had a pretty good plan. I was in fabulous spots to get the best view of the Changing of The Guard ceremony to capture images that tell the story. I think the photos speak for themselves but I’ll let you be the judge.
What Is The Changing of The Guard?
Soldiers are on duty at Buckingham Palace for two days. The Changing of The Guard is a ceremony where the Old Guard hands over to the New Guard on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
Best Place To See The Changing of The Guard
That really depends on what you want to see because it actually happens in three locations. A contingent of the old guard leaves from St James Palace and the new guard from Wellington Barracks. They both arrive together at Buckingham Palace where the changeover takes place. After the ceremony, they leave Buckingham Palace, one going toward Wellington Barracks and the other, toward St James Palace. Clearly, you cannot be in two places, or three even at one time. There is a great map, on the Household Division website.
If you are here to experience the ceremony get to Buckingham Palace gates as early as you can but probably no later than 9:30 or 10am and position yourself at the gate.
On this occasion, I was more interested in capturing the event photographically so I selected St James Palace where I was no more than 2 metres without barriers from the marching soldiers.
Next time, I will begin at Wellington Barracks and the next, I will wait outside Buckingham Palace to get the full photographic story.
St James Palace
I stood across from St James’ Palace in Marlborough Road and a little way down the street toward the Mall (the police will clear you away from the Palace side). After they passed, I followed the parade down The Mall where the Guard made their way around the left of the Victoria Memorial roundabout and into Buckingham Palace.
After the ceremony, one of the guards leaves from the left gate toward Wellington Barracks and the other from the right gate toward St James Palace so pick which you’d like to see. I was outside the right gate.
What Time Does The Changing of The Guard Take Place?
I was in position at St James Palace by 10am. Nothing really happened until 10:30am. The actual handover at Buckingham Palace is at 11am.
Photographing The Changing of The Guard
For these images, I used my Canon 5R and 100-400mm lens which I found perfect for the occasion.
Which Days Does The Changing of The Guard Take Place?
The Changing of The Guard usually happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It can be cancelled at short notice so do check the official website with the schedule, which, also shows the units that will be marching and other information.
More Information about The Changing of The Guard
There are many websites out there but I found the Household Division official website the most informative.
As always, if you have any questions, do to hesitate to ask.
Stay well and safe tavels.
Nina 😊
THE AUTHOR
That’s me. Initially, I thought to describe myself by my profession, I’m a Professional Photographer. Yet, I am much more than my work. I am an insightful, intelligent, adventurous woman on a life journey of discovery about myself and the universe. Every day is an adventure and if you are happy to follow along, I am happy for you to join me.
