Changing of the Guard

Picture Four from the collage below.  The men you will see on guard at Buckingham Palace, (and other locations), are not just ceremonial guards but first and foremost professional infantry soldiers.  Interesting that just yesterday the first Sikh guard wearing a Turban was pictured on duty outside Buckingham Palace.

While upholding the traditions of the past, the guards also perform duties around the world as professional soldiers, who in their infantry role, have a reputation as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army.  This is one of the reasons changes may occur, in the guard change ceremony schedule, when the guards are required for operational duties.

The Household Division comprise two regiments of the Household Cavalry, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals plus five Regiments of Foot Guards:

·         The Grenadier Guards - The Coldstream Guards - The Scots Guards - The Irish Guards - The Welsh Guards

h    Changing of the Guard This video includes the RAF Regiment Band and just reeks of precision and pageantry.

Most of the time it is soldiers from one of these regiments that will be standing guard outside Buckingham Palace.  However, do not be surprised if on some occasions you do not see the traditional guardsmen, in their scarlet tunics, particularly in August when other regiments often guard 'The Queen'.  One of these regiments is the RAF Regiment and my colleagues in the Queens Colour Squadron at RAF Uxbridge performed this function from time to time. 

Recalling the gray greatcoats and ceremonial dress I am reminded of my one major ceremonial duty at Runnymede.  Runnymede is a water-meadow alongside the River Thames in the English county of Surrey, and just over 20 miles (32 km) west of central London. It is notable for its association with the sealing of Magna Carta, and as a consequence is, with its adjoining hillside, the site of memorials. Runnymede Borough is named after the area, Runnymede being at its northernmost point. It was a sunset ceremony at the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial, full ceremonial dress, No 1 Uniform, greatcoat, white gloves, bayonet fixed and boots shining like glass.  The ceremony was for commonwealth dignitaries.  A proud moment and a rare opportunity to push out the chest and look extraordinary; to be part of the pomp and circumstance.

Sunset Ceremony to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.  I served at RAF Marham between 1989 and 1991 while 617 Squadron was based there.   This video contains so much that I remember of ceremony.  

The responsibility of guarding the Sovereign by the Household Troops (as they were known at the time) dates back to the time of Henry VII (1485 - 1509).

As some of the best soldiers in the British Army guardsmen have fought in virtually every major area of conflict with great distinction since the 17th Century.

The guards do not just perform ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace; they also take an active role in protecting their Sovereign. At night they patrol the grounds of both Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace.