Understanding the Changing of the Guard

It has been a bumper royal weekend but you can see a royal ceremony daily outside Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard is watched by millions each year but do you actually know what's going on? It's essentially a shift change so some guards need to finish work and others need to take over but, as you've probably noticed, we don't do things by half here in London and we have music to accompany the marching and general excitement every day.

The Royal Collection have released an official smartphone app about the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace which includes a really useful visual timeline of what happens before the ceremony, what you'll see during the ceremony, and where all involved go after the ceremony. You'll also be reminded that all the guards are actual serving soldiers and you'll discover how to recognize the regiments. The Kid's Zone section is also helpful as it has audio answers to lots of the questions families will ask such as, 'Why do the guards wear red?'

• Find out more about the Changing of the Guard ceremonies
• Guards Museum have produced a DVD to explain the Changing of the Guard
• Cities in Sound Audio Walks include a Changing of the Guard download

Image: © Visit London | London Travel Blog