The King's Life Guard, mounted on immaculately groomed horses with swords drawn and breastplates shinning in the sun, can be seen at Horse Guards.
Horse Guards, named after the troops who have protected the Sovereign since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660, is today the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace.
The King's Life Guard change on Horse Guards Parade, which was originally the courtyard in the middle of Henry VIII’s Royal Palace of Whitehall, and is now the ceremonial parade ground used for royal and ceremonial events throughout the year.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which consists of a Squadron of The Life Guards, who wear red tunics and white plumed helmets, and a Squadron of The Blues and Royals with blue tunics and red plumed helmets, normally provide The King’s Life Guard.
Although not as well known as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace smaller crowds and no railings between you and the men and horses taking part make changing The King's Lifeguard on Horse Guards Parade ideal for visitors with younger children and those looking for some amazing pictures.
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Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 - The King's Life Guard change on Horse Guards Parade
Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays - A smaller inspection takes place on Horse Guards Parade at 11:00 and at 10:00 on Sundays.
State Occasions, other ceremonial duties, or road closure occasionally lead to changes in this schedule and we try to share these changes on the social media channels below.
NOTE: You are not permitted to touch the horse or rider. White lines clearly show the closest you should stand.
The Old Guard forms up on the North side of the enclosure in Horse Guards.
When the New Guard arrives the trumpeters of both the Old and New Guard sound a Royal Salute.
When both Guards have formed up in the enclosure, the Corporal Major, and the sentries of the first relief of the New Guard leave for the Guard Room.
The sentries of the Old Guard, after being relieved, rejoin the remainder of the Old Guard on the north side of the enclosure.
When the Old Guard departs the trumpeters again sound a Royal Salute.
The New Guard then ride through the arch where they will dismount and the horses led to their stables.
Note: The Standard and trumpeters only parade with a Long Guard.
A 'Long Guard' is mounted when The King is in residence, at Buckingham Palace, the Long Guard is made up of an Officer, a Corporal Major,who carries the Standard, two Non-Commissioned Officers, a Trumpeter and ten Troopers.
A 'Short Guard' is mounted when The King is not in residence at Buckingham Palace the Short Guard is made up of two Non-Commissioned Officers and ten Troopers.
Should The King leave London while the Guard is mounted or, having been away, return to Buckingham Palace, the Guard is 'made up' or "masde down" to suit.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The Four 'O' Clock Parade, also known as the Dismount Parade or Punishment Parade, takes place daily in the courtyard of Horse Guards.
The Life Guards are under orders to bar the entrance of all carriages and cars through the Arch of Horse Guards, unless the traveler is in possession of, and be able to produce, an Ivory Pass, only the Royal Family is exempt from this rule.
Horse Guards Parade, is a large parade ground off Whitehall in central London.
As well as being the venue for changing The King's Life Guard it is also the location for Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the King's Birthday, and Beating Retreat.
Address: Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX
By Underground - The nearest tube stations are:
By Train - Nearest, mainline, train station:
By Bus - Bus Numbers: 11, 12, 159, 24, 3, 453, 53, 87, 88, N109, N11, N136, N155, N2, N3, N381, N44, N87
By Car - Not recommended, Whitehall is in the congestion charge zone. Parking is difficult to find and expensive.
An Oyster Card is the cheapest and most flexible way to travel around London.
Valid on London Underground, buses, trams and the Dockland Light Railway (DLR).
The London Travelcard gives you access to unlimited travel on London Underground trains, buses, Docklands Light Railway, trams and overland trains within London.
The Household Cavalry Museum, is a living museum in the heart of London, which provides an opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the work of The King's horse guards and see the men preparing the horses to go duty. Learn more about the Household Cavalry Museum
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