UK: Pomp and Pageantry in London

One of the places in London I always have to go to is Horse Guards Parade.

It is a historic parade ground where the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony is held.

As the official entrance to St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace it is guarded by the Household Cavalry.

What makes it extra special is that most people head to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards, which leaves the lesser-known Horse Guards Parade very accessible

So that means you can get really close to all the action without the throngs of annoying tourists and selfie sticks.

At Horse Guards Parade, the Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11:00 a.m.

This summer for 10 days in July, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) took on the ceremonial mounted duty as the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards.

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished cavalry regiments. They are based in Edmonton (another one of my old "hometowns").

This is only the third time a non-British unit has ever mounted the King’s Life Guard. So a pretty special privilege. 

Cocktail Party Trivia: There is also a lesser known 4 p.m. inspection that dates back to the 19th century. The story goes that on a surprise afternoon visit Queen Victoria found the Household Cavalry guards either “sloppy or inattentive” (I have also heard it described as "drunk") while on duty. Needless to say, she was not amused. She ordered that from then on there must be an afternoon inspection. The tradition has continued ever since. 

While we were there in July, Horse Guards Parade hosted the 2025 Household Division Military Musical Spectacular. 

When it comes to pomp and ceremony, I can get very excited and be like a kid in a candy shop.  

I have to say, the Brits excel at pomp and ceremony.

Princess Anne, otherwise known as Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, was the guest of honour the night we went. Not that I am a fan or a Royalist or a groupie or anything embarrassing like that, but I have to confess, I was pretty excited to see her! Albeit, from afar. 

But honestly, how can you not get excited about pomp and pageantry when it is so well done?

The backdrop is stunning.

And then the grand finale....

I felt inspired to try my hand at personal pomp...

But I think I fell short of the mark!