Changing of the Guard at Buckingham palace London, is a popular London free tourist attraction drawing thousands of visitors to Buckingham palace every day. Here are tips & answers to some of the commonly asked questions.

Q1 : Which Regiments take part in the parade?

The queens guard usually consists of the Household division Foot Guards, comprising the Life Guards; Scots Guards; Welsh Guards; Coldstream Guards; Blues and Royals and Grenadier Guards. However dependent upon commitments other units may participate in place of them if they are unavailable.

Q2: Where can I get the best view of the changing of the guards?

Arrive early and stand as near as you can to the railings at the Victoria Monument.

Q3: What are the nearest Tubes stations?

Victoria tube and railway station, St James Park Tube or Green Park Tube.

Q4: How do I get there by Bus?

Numbers 11, 211, 239, C1 and C10 buses all stop on Buckingham Palace Road.

Q5: How do I get a picture of a guard with me standing next to him?

At St James' Palace, walk all the way past the courtyard at the Palace and turn round the corner, you are now in Pall Mall at this spot there is a guard standing all on his own. Simply go and stand next to him and pass your friend the camera.

Q6: 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.

Q7: Is the famous Bearskin hat really made of Bearskin?

The standard bearskin of the British Foot Guards is 18 inches tall, weighs one and a half pounds and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear.

Q8: Can I try a Bearskin Hat on? Yes you can!!

In the Guards museum there is one you can try on for size. It also has uniforms and medals on display and a history of the foot guards.

Q9: Can I watch changing the Guards anywhere else?

Changing of the Guards takes place at Windsor Castle in June and July everyday at 11:00 am. Tower Of London 11:00 am daily and at Horse Guards Arch 11:00 am during the week but at 10:00 am on Sundays.

Q10: What should I do if its cancelled due to rain?

Why not go to the Guards museum. It has uniforms and medals on display together with dioramas depicting the battles which the Guards have been involved in, from the English Civil War to the present day.

Q11: Can I get a tour of Buckingham Palace London?

Tours of the lavish Buckingham Palace State Rooms are available but only during the period 26 July - 24 September.

Q12: When does the Buckingham Palace State Room open and how long does the visit last?

The State Rooms open at 09:45 and closes at 18:00, with last admission at 15:45. A visit lasts between 2 and 2½ hours.

Q13: How much does admission to the State Rooms cost?

Adult £14.00; Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £12.50 ; Under 17 £8.00; Under 5 Free; Family £36.00 (2 adults, 3 under 17s).

Q14: Will the Queen be there and will I see her?

When the Queen is in residence the Royal Standard will be flying from the mast above Buckingham palace. But usually she goes on her summer holidays to Balmoral in Scotland during this time period.

I hope you enjoy your visit to London and Buckingham palace,if you are lucky you may even see the Queen.