Horse Guards Parade
Pageantry and Power: Where Royal History Guards London’s Heart
Horse Guards Parade, the ceremonial heart of military London, stands as a magnificent gravel-covered expanse where centuries of British history have unfolded. Originally the tiltyard of Whitehall Palace, where Henry VIII once hosted jousting tournaments, this grand parade ground continues to serve as the venue for Britain’s most splendid ceremonial displays.
The distinctive William Kent-designed building, dating from the 18th century, features a striking clock tower above its archway and remains the official entrance to St James’s and Buckingham Palace. Two mounted cavalry troopers of The King’s Life Guard, resplendent in gleaming breastplates and plumed helmets, stand sentinel between 10am and 4pm daily. The changing of these mounted guards at 11am (10am on Sundays) offers visitors a daily dose of ceremony without the larger crowds found at Buckingham Palace.
During Trooping the Colour, the sovereign’s annual birthday celebration, the building’s central windows are opened for the Royal Family to watch the King reviewing his troops below. The parade ground also hosts the floodlit musical spectacular of Beating Retreat by the massed military bands. Standing sentinel around the grounds are memorials to Britain’s military leaders: the Royal Naval Division Memorial and statues of Viscount Wolseley, Earl Roberts, Lord Kitchener, and Lord Mountbatten.
The building houses the Household Cavalry Museum, where visitors can explore the history and daily life of the regiment that has served as the sovereign’s mounted bodyguard since 1661. During the London 2012 Olympics, the parade ground was transformed into a beach volleyball venue, proving its versatility in modern times whilst maintaining its historic dignity.
