The "Changing of the Guard" is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of London. The sense of tradition, the pageantry and music, and the setting - the Queen's home, Buckingham Palace - all contribute to the popularity of this must-see event. Thousands of visitors attend each ceremony, so get there early.

Officially, it's known as "Changing the Guard" or "Guard Mounting" and, simply, it's a process in which the old guard leaves and the new guard comes on duty. The soldiers involved are from one of the regiments of the Queen's Foot Guards, and the Guards band provides the ceremonial and often familiar military march music.

Most people know that when the Queen is at home, the Union Jack flag flies over the Palace. One of the other ways to know if she's home is if there are four sentries at the front of the building. When she's away, the flag disappears and there are only two sentries.

The 40-minute ceremony takes place at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace every day in May, June and July at 11:30 AM. It only occurs on alternate dates otherwise and never during a heavy rainstorm (a little rain is to be expected!). The alternating schedule is even-numbered days in August, and odd-numbered days in September and October. Schedules may easily be found at www.royal.gov.uk.

If you'd like to see a smaller ceremony, or you've already seen this famous one and are looking for something different, there are also regular "changing of the guard" ceremonies found at the Tower of London at 11:30 AM, and at Horse Guards Arch and Windsor Castle (approximately 45 minutes east of London) at 11:00 AM.