Changing of the Guard is one of the oldest and most familiar ceremonies associated with Buckingham Palace.

The proper name of the ceremony known as 'Changing the Guard' is actually Guard Mounting. In this process a New Guard exchanges duty with the Old Guard and both Guards are drawn from one of the regiments of Foot Guards.

The handover is accompanied by a Guards band. The music played ranges from traditional military marches to songs from musical shows and even familiar pop songs.

When The Queen is in residence, there are four sentries at the front of the building; when she is away there are two.

The Queen's Guard usually consists of Foot Guards in full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskins; if they have operational commitments, other infantry units such as the Brigade of Gurkhas take part instead.

Watching the ceremony:

Buckingham Palace - Guard Mounting takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11.30 am, and lasts about 45 minutes. There is no Guard Mounting in very wet weather. During the autumn and winter, Guard Mounting takes place on alternate days, but it is held daily during spring and summer. Buckingham Palace is immediately adjacent to St James's Park and The Green Park.

Horse Guards Arch - the Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11am (10am on Sundays) and lasts about 30 minutes. It is held on Horse Guards Parade by Whitehall, which is located east of St James's Park.