The first Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace has taken place since King Charles III was proclaimed Britain’s new Monarch.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the ceremony had been cancelled. Now that the ceremony has returned, this is the first time there has been a changing of the King’s Guard at royal palaces in 70 years.
In response to the first Changing of the Guard in the reign of the King, the Ministry of Defence said it was “only fitting” the Coldstream Guards took part in the ceremony. This is because they are the same regiment that ensured the restoration of England’s monarchy in 1660 when King Charles II took the throne.
Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards formally handed over duties to Number 12 Company Irish Guards in simultaneous ceremonies in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, and St James’s Palace.
To mark the occasion, one piece of music was performed rather than the usual mix of pop music and regimental marches. The Band of Scots played The King’s Guard March which was composed in 1904. The song originally led the new guard from Wellington Barracks until they arrived at the gates of Buckingham Palace. Following the principal proclamation of King Charles III at St James’s Palace, the Band of the Coldstream Guards played the national anthem.
The ceremony takes place several times a week at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle multiple times a week.
