If you’ve ever been to London, you will surely have seen the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. A similar event takes place at the Royal Palace in Madrid: the changing of the guard and the Solemn Changing of the Royal Guard. Find out what they are and when they happen. 

Changing of the guard

The Spanish Royal Guard is the oldest of its kind in Europe, and it was created with the goal of protecting the monarchs who have ruled over Spain throughout its history. The changing of the guard happens every Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 – except during the summer months, when it happens from 10:00 to 12:00 – at the Puerta del Príncipe of the Royal Palace. 

Every 30 minutes, the Royal Palace soldiers (two foot-soldiers and two on horseback) dressed in gala uniforms perform the act. It is accompanied by a fife and drum playing military marches. The soldiers on horseback also march past the palace façade every 10 minutes. 

Solemn Changing of the Royal Guard

This act takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 (except in January, August and September) on Plaza de la Armería. It lasts about 50 minutes. It starts with the establishment of the guard posts on Plaza de Armería. Then comes the review of the troops, the entrance of the outgoing soldiers, the parade of the incoming soldiers, the request to start the relief of the Guard’s Chief Commanders, the relief of the artillery and cavalry, the relief of the watchmen, the exit of the guards and lastly the parade of the outgoing soldiers. 

A grand total of 400 people and 100 horses participate, just like in the times of kings Alfonso XII and Alfonso XIII. The next Solemn Changing of the Royal Guard will take place on Wednesday 1 April 2020. 

If you want to watch it with your family, we recommend you get there early to find a spot on the stairs of the Almudena Cathedral, a great vantage point for watching the Solemn Changing of the Royal Guard.

Enjoy these two spectacles at the Royal Palace, unknown to many but unforgettable for those who have been lucky enough to see them at least once.