Chasing the guards: One of the two mounted regiments known as the Queen’s Life Guards. They wear metal helmets, white plumes and red tunics.
It was by pure accident that we have learned about the schedule of Changing The Guard that day. (It was December 3rd.) We saw a bunch of people running across Green Park towards the gate near Buckingham Palace. Hundreds of eager spectators swarmed across the palace gates to witness this particular scenario.
Another group of the mounted regiment.
The Changing the Guard ceremony is probably one of the oldest and best attractions London has to offer. It normally starts at 11am during weekdays and 10am on Sundays. Schedule also varies during summer and winter and state/parliamentary occasions.
People and tourists came running to see the colorful parade.
This colorful army tradition dates back to the late 14th century, during the reign of Henry VII. They were known then as Household Troops who guard the Sovereign (the reigning British king or queen). The Household Division is composed of seven regiments: two Mounted Regiments known as The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals and five Regiments of Foot Guards – the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards.
Mounted police officer took charge of the traffic in front of the palace gates.
More than just ceremonial guards, they are also highly-skilled professional soldiers who are on active military service to the British crown and have engaged in many of the world’s fiercest battles.
It was a bit sunny that day but the temperature in the City of London has been freezing cold. After alighting from the Tube Train at Victoria Station, that long arduous walk from Green Park to Buckingham Palace didn’t help dispell the wintry chill either. I was breathing cold mist in the middle of the day together with hundreds of people waiting at the palace gates for the colorful ceremony of Changing The Guard.
The palace is heavily secured by automated gold and black giant steel gates.
History tells us that Buckingham Palace was bought by George III in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, because of its proximity to St James Palace. It used to be called the Queen’s House because it served as a family home for the royalty. However, in 1820, George IV decided to reconstruct it into a palace with the help of his architect, John Nash. The king never moved to the palace.It was already in 1837 when Buckingham Palace was finally occupied by a British monarch, Queen Victoria.
The Palace’s maingate and forecourt. And the frozen Union Jack.
Today, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen in London and serves as the administrative headquarters for the royal family. It has 775 state rooms where they entertain state guests and perform royal functions such as banquets, garden parties and receptions. Tourists are welcome to enter the palace during summer when the Queen is out on a holiday in Scotland.
