Changing of the guard and solemn handover at the Royal Palace of Madrid

Demo ShowMadrid, España

Description

Every Wednesday and Saturday you can enjoy the changing of the guard by the Royal Guard at the Prince's Gate of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Furthermore, on the first Wednesday of each month (except January, August, and September), the even more spectacular Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place (Next ceremony: May 13, 2026), provided that official events and weather permit. Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace: The palace sentinels (two on foot and two on horseback), dressed in full dress uniforms—blue, white, and red—similar to those used by the Spanish army during the reign of Alfonso XIII, perform a changing of the guard every 30 minutes, accompanied by a fife (a high-pitched flute used in military bands) and a drum playing military marches, following the prescribed orders and commands. Additionally, every 10 minutes, and not coinciding with the changing of the guard on foot, the mounted sentinels move in front of the facade.

The Solemn Changing of the Guard (Next celebration: May 13, 2026)

The ceremony, which lasts approximately 50 minutes, begins with the establishment of the guard posts in the Plaza de la Armería and the following movements take place: troop review, entrance of the outgoing guard, parade of the incoming guard, request to begin the changing of the guard by the Commanding Officers of the Guard, changing of the guard at the artillery and cavalry posts, changing of the guard at the sentry posts, withdrawal of the guard, and parade of the outgoing guard.

And so lancers and halberdiers, rifle companies, soldiers –men and women– in charge of artillery pieces and ammunition carts parade for almost an hour. A spectacular reenactment of the changing of the guard, just as it was done in the times of Kings Alfonso XII and Alfonso XIII. As a finale to the ceremony, the Music Unit usually performs a concert in the courtyard of the Prince's Gate (Bailén Street).