London
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Horse Guards Building

Horse Guards Building, Whitehall, SW1
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross


Horse Guards Building, Whitehall, London, 12K
The Queen is colonel-in-chief of seven regiments, which are collectively known as the Household Regiments. Out of these, three Foot Guards regiments take it in turn to guard Buckingham Palace, whilst two Cavalry regiments guard the Horse Guards Building on Whitehall.

Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, 9K There has been a guardhouse on this site since 1649, but the present building dates from 1750. Only members of the Royal Family are permitted to drive through the central arch. Outside the building, two mounted guards are posted from 10am to 4pm offering a great photo opportunity for tourists.

All of these regiments take part in the daily ceremony known as the Changing of the Guard. Technically the name includes both the guards of Buckingham Palace and those at the Horse Guards Building, but in more common usage the name Changing of the Guard refers to the ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, whilst the ceremony that involves the Horse Guards is known as the Horse Guards Parade.



Horse Guards Parade

Horse Guards Building, Whitehall, SW1
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross

Every day, as part of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the two mounted cavalry regiments of the Queen's Household Regiments take part in the ceremony known as the Horse Guards Parade.

You can usually get a better view of this ceremony than of the one that takes place outside Buckingham Palace. But it is equally popular so you have to arrive early to secure a good place.

The Horse Guards Parade happens daily at 11.00am on Mondays-Saturdays and 10am on Sundays. It takes place outside the Horse Guards Building on Whitehall. (Please note that sometimes the ceremony is cancelled at the last moment so do check first to avoid disappointment).

Other military ceremonies that take place here are the Trooping of the Colour and Beating the Retreat.



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