One of London’s most popular tourist attractions
is the ceremonial changing of the Household Troops with their iconic red tunics,
bearskin hats and accompanying brass marching band. Large crowds gather in
front of Buckingham Palace and around Victoria Monument to watch the spectacle
unfold but London isn’t the only place to witness this traditional military ceremony.
Similar events also take place at Windsor Castle and the Prince’s Palace in
Monaco.
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Changing of the Guard, London |
1.
Buckingham Palace, London
We had to arrive early for our prime
location in front of the palace gates for the Changing of the Guard at
Buckingham Palace. The ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. and take about 45 minutes
to complete across multiple locations, including St. James Palace and Horse
Guard’s Parade. The British Army website posts the schedule for Buckingham Palace.
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Buckingham Palace |
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The Palace Gates |
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Victoria Monument |
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Crowds Gathering Around Victoria Monument |
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The Marching Band |
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Horse Guard |
2.
Windsor Castle, Windsor
We caught another similar ceremony while
touring Queen Elizabeth’s favourite residence, Windsor Castle. The Changing of
the Guard takes place in the castle’s Lower Ward near St. George’s Chapel. The British Army website also posts a schedule for Windsor Castle.
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Windsor Castle |
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The Round Tower |
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St. George's Chapel |
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The Lower Ward |
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Windsor Guards |
3.
The Prince’s Palace, Monaco
Meanwhile on the relaxed Cote d’Azur, the guard
changes a little bit later than in England. The ceremony takes place at 11:55
a.m. on Palace Square in front of the Prince’s Palace in Monaco Ville. A little
red tourist train stops near the palace at the top of 'the Rock’. The guards’ uniforms
here are better suited to the mild Mediterranean climate - no bearskin hats!
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The Prince's Palace, Monaco |
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Palace Clock Tower |
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Monaco Tourist Train |
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Changing of the Guard, Monaco |
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