The British tradition returns

London's Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a famous tourist drawcard, has returned for the first time since the pandemic hit. Also known as Guard Mounting, the formal ceremony with music normally takes place at three London locations: Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace and Wellington Barracks.  For most of the year, it happens four days a week from 10:45 am and lasts around 45 minutes.

The Royal Family shared a video of the tradition's return on Instagram yesterday, with the caption "Look who's back at Buckingham Palace…" The ceremony, where a new group of soldiers takes over from the old ones, normally takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Guardsmen restarted the ceremony at Windsor Castle in July.

Control the spread of the virus

Tourists are recommended to take a rapid test before going to any major event including watching the Changing of the Guard. "We encourage people to wear face coverings in busy or enclosed areas,” the Palace advised. If you have a chance to watch the event in person, always make the way for the guardsmen as they often shout, "Make way for the Queen's Guard" and won‘t stop or march around bystanders who get in their way!