The Changing of the Guard

Confession: My ideal trip to London was created by my hipster alter ego because I went with the thought that I wouldn't do anything "touristy". This included walking tours, The Eye, and posing like the statues. I actually upheld most of these except for the walking tours. (Tip: go to the bar at the top of the Shard instead of going to The Eye. You get the same view without the wait and add in yummy cocktails!) Walks.com has some pretty fun night and themed tours, but Mom and I went on one tour through the Big Bus Company about "Royal England". This sounds really encompassing of pretty much all of London, but the main event was watching the Changing of the Guard.

If you want to see the Changing of the Guards, I highly recommend this tour because our guide knew exactly where to be during each part of the process so that we saw more than just the changing at the gates of Buckingham Palace. (Disclaimer: you don't actually get to see them change at the gates, but this way was MUCH better than watching the 30 second ritual that you'll probably have to watch with binoculars.) I'm going to explain where we were and what was happening in order of the ritual:

1) The Horse guard parades down the Mew (a mile long street infron of Buckingham Palace) at 10:30am. Zach, our guide, explained to us that if the guard is led by a white horse, the Queen is home, but if it's led by a black horse, she is not. We also learned that women can only be a part of the guard if there is a Queen, but they are not allowed if there is a King. This was quite the "Power to the women" statement that almost made me sad the Prince William and Prince George are about to break up the reign of Queens!

2) Next, we walked to Friary Court at St. James's Palace where the Old Guard lined up for inspection. They were facing a band as if a dance-off was about to happen, and I'm a little sad that it didn't. Once the guards were inspected, the band began to walk down the street and so did we!

3) The band plays as they walk from St. James' Palace to the gates of Buckingham Palace followed by the Old Guards who are going to meet the other half of the guards that are actually stationed at the Palace. One fun fact about the band: they play a lot of different music from classical to pop music. Zach even heard them play the Game of Thrones theme song all the way down the street! I was actually a little sad that we heard a snappy little British tune instead of that... I really enjoyed walking with them down the street and listening to them play along the way. It made the whole process more interactive.

4) We actually skipped the part that happens directly infront of Buckingham Palace and passed left through St. James' Park to stand just left of the Palace. There, we watched the New Guard march in as the Old Guard marched out. This way, we got to see both parties move while standing right on the edge of the curb and front row to the show. This was the last leg of the changing of the guard.

One thing that I found interesting through all of this was how fascinated all the tourists are with this ritual. You almost forget that the process isn't just for show but that it actually has practical significance... to guard Buckingham Palace and it's inhabitants. Most guard members have served in the Royal Army or in some form of service that makes him able to respond in times of emergency.

Next time I go, or if you are reading this and want to see the Changing of the Guard, I highly reommend this method rather than queing at 10:00 to try and get close enough to the gates to see anything. It was almost as if you are a part of the procession instead of a silly on looker.

If you want to read more about the ritual, this website explains all the steps that occur and when! http://www.changing-the-guard.com/about-the%20guard-change-ceremony.html

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