BUCKINGHAM PALACE GUARDS,
The Buckingham Palace Guards, are a very important part of London Tourist Attractions. They are made up of contingents of both infantry and cavary soldiers, whose duty it is to guard the official royal residences in London. The Queen's Guard and Queen's Life Guard are the names given to these units, which come under the operating area of the British Army's London District and whose responsibilities include the administration of the Household Division. Within these responsibilities as well as Buckingham Palace, they are also charged with the duty of guarding St. James's Palace, The Tower of London and Windsor Castle. Prior to the Restoration in 1660, which saw the return of the monarchy under King Charles II, the British Army had regiments consisting of both Horse Guards and Foot Guards and it is since his reign that they have been charged with guarding the royal palaces. The contingent of infantry which make up the Buckingham Palace Guards, St. James's Palace Guards and whose duties also include the guarding of Clarence House, are known as the Queen's Guard. It is made up of a company from a single regiment split up into two, each one then providing a detachment of Buckingham Palace Guards and a detachment of St. James's Palace Guards. The mounted guard at the entrance to Horse Guards, are known as the Queen's Life Guard and are provided by men of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. It consists of a Squadron of The Life Guards, wearing red tunics and white plumed helmets and a Squadron of The Blues and Royals, sporting blue tunics and red plumed helmets. When the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment leaves London for summer training and a well earned change of scenery for the horses, the Guard is provided by the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. Horse Guards is still the official entrance, to both Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. This dates back to the time when the Mall was not a thoroughfare and was closed at both ends. Sentries however, have been posted here since the Restoration of King Charles II, when the Palace of Whitehall was still standing and was the main royal tresidence. All that now remains of this palace is the Banqueting House. From 10am until 4pm, the guard is formed of two sentries on horseback, with the two sentries changing every hour. From 4pm, the guard is formed of two dismounted sentries who remain there on duty until 8pm, when the gates of Horse Guards are locked and one solitary sentry remains there until 7am the following morning when the second sentry returns to duty. The Guard in much earlier times could be as much as one hundred strong, as they provided Armed Escorts for the King or Queen when travelling by road. Nowadays it is made up with what is known as a Long Guard or a Short Guard. The Long Guard When The Queen is in London, the Guard consists of 1 Officer, 1 Corporal Major (who carries the Standard), 2 Non-Commissioned Officers, 1 Trumpeter and 10 Troopers. This is known as a Long Guard.The Short Guard When Her Majesty is not resident in London, the Guard is reduced to 2 Non-Commissioned Officers and 10 Troopers. Unless in possession of a password, no one will be allowed admission to Horse Guards after the gates have been locked. The Guard Changing Ceremony takes place each weekday at 11am and 10am on Sundays. FOR SIGHTSEEING TOURS OF LONDON AND THINGS TO DO IN LONDON CLICK HERE How to Link to This PageIt will appear on your page as: FOR MORE INFO.ON THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE GUARDS FOLLOW THIS LINKReturn From Buckingham Palace Guards To A-London-Tourist-Guide Home Page
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