The Household Division’s own pages give two different times for Changing the Guard. One says the King’s Guard change happens at 10.45am in front of Buckingham Palace. Another lists 10.30am at Wellington Barracks and 11am at Buckingham Palace. Both are published by the regiment that performs it.
The practical reading is that the soldiers assemble from 10am at St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks, the new guard marches to the Palace, and the ceremony there is the 11am event. Be in position by 10.30am and you will not miss anything, whichever time applies on the day.
We read the official pages on 12 October 2026.
Which days
The King’s Guard changes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Windsor Castle Guard changes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. So if you are in London for a weekend, Saturday is a Windsor day and Sunday has neither, which catches out a great many visitors.
The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes.
It can be cancelled at 10.45
The Household Division says the ceremony can be altered or cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather, and that the decision can be taken as late as 10.45 on the day. That is after you have arrived, chosen your spot and waited. In poor weather, treat it as a maybe rather than a plan.
Where to stand, and what to watch for
The official advice is to arrive early for the best view. It also carries a warning most guides leave out: pickpockets have been known to operate in the area, so keep your belongings secure. Police officers are always present during the ceremony, and the Division asks you to report anything suspicious to one of them.
The three locations are Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle. St James’s is the quieter of the two London options and is where part of the guard forms up.
Changing the Guard
- Address
- Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace, London. Windsor Castle on alternate days
- Nearest
- Green Park, St James’s Park or Victoria
- Hours
- King’s Guard on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Windsor Castle Guard on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Soldiers assemble from 10am, with the official pages giving the change as 10.45am in one place and 11am in another. It lasts about 45 minutes
- Booking
- None needed. The ceremony can be altered or cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather, with the decision taken as late as 10.45 on the day
- Price
- Free to watch
- Standing
- The ceremony in which the King’s Guard hands over duty, performed by the Household Division at Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace
How to get in
There is no ceremony in London on Sunday, and Saturday is a Windsor day. Arrive early for a view. The Household Division warns that pickpockets operate in the area and asks visitors to report anything suspicious to the police officers present
Where to go next
Buckingham Palace covers the palace itself, and St James’s Park is the park beside it, where the pelicans are fed at 2.30pm.
Free things to do covers the rest.
Questions we get asked
What time is Changing the Guard?
The Household Division's pages give two times: 10.45am for the King's Guard change in front of Buckingham Palace, and 11am on its schedule, with 10.30am at Wellington Barracks. Soldiers assemble from 10am, so be in place by 10.30am.
What days does Changing the Guard happen?
The King's Guard changes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Windsor Castle Guard changes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There is no London ceremony on Sunday.
How long does Changing the Guard last?
About 45 minutes.
Is Changing the Guard cancelled in the rain?
It can be. The Household Division says the ceremony can be altered or cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather, and the decision can be made as late as 10.45 on the day.
Is Changing the Guard free?
Yes, it is free to watch from the street. Arrive early for the best view, and keep your belongings secure, because the Household Division warns that pickpockets operate in the area.
Where is the best place to watch Changing the Guard?
Buckingham Palace is the main location, with St James's Palace the quieter alternative where part of the guard forms up. The official advice is simply to arrive early.
Written by Robert J Wills, no. 456 in the guide.
Last checked 12 October 2026 against the venues' own published information. Nobody pays to appear here and we take no bookings.
