Inside Royal Rituals: Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard

In the heart of London lies a palace that needs no introduction. Buckingham Palace is far more than a royal residence—it’s a living symbol of British identity, tradition, and continuity. Every flag that flies above its roof, every regiment that marches in front of its gates, and every golden-framed portrait within its walls tells a story.

And yet, for all its grandeur, many visitors miss its deeper layers. Beyond the photo ops and palace gates, Buckingham Palace is surrounded by ritual, architecture, and surprising details that reveal much more than meets the eye. Through carefully curated London guided tours, you can uncover these layers—and experience the monarchy’s public face in ways few tourists ever do.

The Architectural Evolution of Power

While most recognize the palace as Queen Elizabeth II’s headquarters for over seven decades, fewer know that Buckingham Palace didn’t begin its life as a royal residence. Originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham, it wasn’t until 1837 that Queen Victoria made it the official royal palace.

One of the least-discussed features of Buckingham Palace is how its architecture reflects different eras of British history. The East Front—what you face from the Mall—was redesigned in 1913 to give the palace its now-iconic symmetrical facade. But the most historically loaded section is the original central block, a remnant of the Georgian era.

Inside, the palace’s architecture follows a formal but symbolic path. The progression from entrance hall to throne room mimics the gradual unveiling of monarchy—from public-facing grandeur to intimate power. Rooms like the Picture Gallery, often overlooked in tourist snapshots, serve not just as corridors but as declarations of lineage and legitimacy through royal portraiture.

Behind the Pageantry: Hidden Roles in the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is one of London’s most recognizable rituals—but much of its meaning lies in the details that the casual observer misses.

While many focus on the marching soldiers and regimental music, there are lesser-known players in the ceremony:

• The Captain of the Guard, who arrives separately and is responsible for the discipline and conduct of the guards on duty.
• The St. James’s Palace Detachment, which still plays a vital role despite the primary action happening outside Buckingham Palace.
• The Corps of Drums, a musical ensemble whose rhythms communicate command and timing to the regiment—a throwback to when drums were battlefield tools.

Few realize that the guards are not ceremonial-only. These soldiers are active-duty members of the British Army, many of whom have served in conflicts abroad. The precision you see is not just practiced—it’s the discipline of real-world experience expressed through ritual.

Seasonal Shifts and Special Ceremonies

Most London guided tours don’t cover how the experience of Buckingham Palace changes throughout the year.

In summer, for instance, the State Rooms open to the public, revealing rarely seen interiors like the Green Drawing Room and the Ballroom. These rooms are only open for around ten weeks and include rotating exhibitions—recently, displays featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee wardrobe and King Charles’ early watercolours.

During state visits, Buckingham Palace becomes a hive of diplomacy. The Changing of the Guard may feature international marching bands or regiments in honor of the visiting country. On such days, observant visitors might spot foreign flags lining the Mall and slight variations in the guards’ formations.

In winter, the ceremony is often moved to every other day, and poor weather can affect its execution. But the cold months also provide smaller crowds, making for more intimate viewing.

Royal Gardens: The Private Green Heart of the Palace

Often hidden from view and omitted from most London guided tours, the Buckingham Palace Garden is a 39-acre oasis—the largest private garden in London.

It contains rare flora, a private lake, a tennis court, and even a beehive that supplies royal honey. The garden is where the Queen’s Garden Parties are held, and it plays a significant diplomatic role during royal receptions.

Botanically, the garden reflects royal passions. King Charles III, a known advocate of sustainable agriculture, has supported wildlife-friendly enhancements, from wildflower meadows to climate-conscious planting.

While not always open to the public, summer tours that include the garden offer a rare window into the personal side of palace life.

Connecting the Tradition with Today: Royal Westminster and Buckingham Palace Entrance Tour

So how do you tie together the majestic architecture, the layered ceremony, and the hidden worlds behind the gates? That’s where London guided tours like Urban Saunters’ Royal Westminster and Buckingham Palace Entrance Tour come into their own.

Rather than isolating Buckingham Palace as a singular site, this tour places it within the broader royal narrative. Beginning in Parliament Square, it weaves through political and royal London—Whitehall, Downing Street, the Horse Guards Parade—before reaching the palace.

You’ll see the Changing of the Guard from the best vantage points, guided by experts who explain not only the what, but the why. By the time you reach the palace entrance, you’ve walked the corridors of power in the open air.

Then, if the tour coincides with the palace’s seasonal opening, you’ll enter the State Rooms, exploring the ceremonial and living heart of the monarchy. The self-guided portion allows you to move at your pace, now equipped with the insight gathered during your walk.

It’s a tour that transforms casual interest into deep understanding—connecting past and present, architecture and ritual, public spectacle and private heritage.

Final Thoughts: See, Feel, and Understand Royal London

Buckingham Palace is a monument. The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony. But together—with the right guidance—they become something far more powerful: a narrative.

Through London guided tours like this one, you don’t just visit locations—you decode them. You understand how tradition evolves, how the monarchy balances legacy with modernity, and how every element, from a drumbeat to a flowerbed, tells a story.

If you’re planning your royal day out, skip the solo stroll and choose insight over Instagram. With Urban Saunters, royal London doesn’t just impress—it speaks.

👉 Book your Royal Westminster and Buckingham Palace Entrance Tour here

Keep reading:

• Small Group Tours London: surprising facts about the Tower of London
• London Changing of the Guard – everything you need to know