After the grandeur of the coronation ceremony, a major British tradition quietly begins taking place all across the country. The tradition is none other than the changing of the guards, a practice that dates back centuries and continues to this day.
The changing of the guards is a ceremonial exchange in which the old guard symbolically hands over their responsibilities to the new guard. The guards in question are members of the British Army, who are tasked with protecting some of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
One of the most popular locations to witness the changing of the guards is at Buckingham Palace. Here, the guards march in unison to a military band, performing a series of intricate manoeuvres as they swap positions. It’s easy to see why this is such a crowd-pleasing event, with tourists flocking to the palace gates to witness the spectacle.
But the changing of the guards isn’t limited to Buckingham Palace. In fact, there are a number of other locations across the UK where the tradition takes place. For example, at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, visitors can witness the changing of the guard by the Scottish Division of the British Army.
Meanwhile, at the Tower of London, the Yeomen Warders, known as the Beefeaters, perform their own version of the ceremony. This is a particularly special experience as the Tower of London is one of the oldest and most historic sites in the UK and has its own fascinating history.
While the changing of the guards is undoubtedly a spectacle to behold, it also serves a more practical purpose. The guards are responsible for ensuring the security of these important landmarks, and the practice of changing the guards serves to remind us of their important role in protecting our national heritage.
All in all, the changing of the guards is an important British tradition that continues to captivate audiences across the country. From the pomp and ceremony of Buckingham Palace to the historical significance of the Tower of London, it’s a practice that serves to remind us of the rich heritage and traditions that make the UK so special.