Traditions and Customs
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Queen Elizaberth II
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a very unique country for many reasons. It has retained its special atmosphere. The British like their past. The country is still a monarchy. In law, the Head of State is the Queen. The present Sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II. The British respect their Queen. Everything in the country officially is done in the name of the Queen. In practice, the Queen reins, but does not rule.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a place where British Queen Elizaberth II and her family live when they are in London. It was built in 1702 by the Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 . Nowadays the Palace is very much a working building and the centrepiece of Britain's constitutional monarchy. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors every yearduring the Annual Summer Opening from late July to September. Buckingham Palace attracts crowds of sightseers every day. They come here to watch the Changing of the Guard.
Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard is one of the oldest and most recognizable ceremonies connected with Buckingham Palace. This colourful ceremony is one of the 'must sees' on a trip to London
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a popular London tourist attraction. This ceremony consists of the Old Guard going off duty and handing over to the New Guard. The Guard that looks after Buckingham Palace is called The Queen's Guard All the guards taking part in the ceremony are dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, and the ceremony is set to music.
The men you will see in front of Buckingham Palace are not just ceremonial guards but also serving soldiers. While upholding the traditions of the past, they also perform duties throughout the world as professional soldiers...
How do you know if the Queen is actual at Buckingham palace? When the Queen is there then she has four sentries at the front – when she is away there are only two.
The impressive ceremony of Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place every morning (weather permitting) at 11:30 in summer but only on alternate days in winter.
Horse Guards
Horse Guards is the official entrance to Buckingham Palace. Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards takes place Monday to Saturday morning at 11:00, and 10:00 on a Sunday.
The ceremony lasts about half an hour but there a smaller ceremonies throughout the day with the mounted sentries changing every hour.
Queen Elizaberth II
Read more about the Queen http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/TheMonarchyToday.aspx
Buckingham Palace
Read more about Buckingham Palace http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/BuckinghamPalace/BuckinghamPalace.aspx
The Changing of the Guard
Read more about the Changing of the Guard http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/ChangingtheGuard/Overview.aspx