The first changing of the guard has taken place since King Charles III was named as Britain's new monarch on Saturday. Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards formally handed over duties to Number 12 Company Irish Guards in simultaneous ceremonies that were held on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace in central London on Monday.
It is also the first time there has been a changing of the King's Guard at the royal palaces for 70 years. To mark the historic occasion, just one piece of music was performed as opposed to the usual running mix of regimental marches and pop music.
The Band of the Scots Guards played The King's Guard March, which was composed in 1904, as it led the new guard from Wellington Barracks until they arrived at the gates of Buckingham Palace. The Ministry of Defence said it was "only fitting" the Coldstream Guards were involved with Monday's event, as it is the same regiment that ensured the Restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660, placing King Charles II on the throne.
