The changing of the guard at Stockholm Palace takes place daily around 12.00 (Sunday 13.00) on the palace square.
About 50 times a year the guard and trumpeter corps appear on horses. On our visit, everyone appeared on foot.
The Royal Guard is a guard of honor, responsible for the protection of the Swedish royal family. It has continuously guarded the Stockholm Palace since 1523. On behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces, it also carries out all ceremonies on official occasions, such as state visits.
The members are recruited from regiments of the Life Guards. But also members of sections of the National Forces, serving sometimes for a short time in the Royal Guard.
Life Guards – Livgarde
The Life Guards is a combined regiment of the Swedish army, with infantry and cavalry. In times of war, it is responsible for the defense of Stockholm. In times of peace, the body and property protection against the Swedish royal house belongs to its tasks.
The Livgarde was formed in 2000 from the Swedish Army infantry regiment (Svea Livgarde), the Life Guard Brigade (Livgardesbrigaden) and the Life Guard Dragoons (Livgardets Dragoons).
The Svea Livgarde is one of the world’s oldest regiments still in active duty. It was set up in 1521 for Gustav Vasa. The then 16 men from Dalarna were responsible for body and object protection. But, they were also used at war sites.
The Livgardesbrigaden, also founded in 1521 by Gustav Vasa, was an elite unit. It corresponded to an infantry brigade. The Lifeguards brigade was also active in Stockholm and on various battlefields.
In 1667 Gustav Vasa founded the Life Guard Dragoons. In former times, the size depended on the availability of horses and horse feed. The Life Guard Dragoons played a decisive role in the Battle of Lund against the Danes in 1676.
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More InformationChanging of the Guard at Stockholm Palace
The changing of the guard is carried out with great seriousness. The same, as we have seen it also during the changing of the guard in Canada or Greece.
During the ceremony, one provides information for tourists in Swedish and English. It is conspicuous that women are integrated completely with equal rights to men.
A concert of the military band ends the ceremony. This performance partly has the character of a musical. The audience likes it.
Meanwhile, the changing of the guard is a popular tourist attraction. So you should secure yourself a good place early enough because many tourists from all the world attend the ceremony.
For further information and exact times, please visit the official website of the Royal Guard
Please read on > Visiting Södermalm, Fotografiska and Slussen
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