Changing of the Guard Copenhagen, Denmark
The Changing of the Guard in Copenhagen is one of the most impressive in Europe. The event takes place in a square surrounded by four palaces, the most important of them being the Amalienborg Palace. This Rococo masterpiece is the winter home of the Royal family. When the monarch is at home the Changing of the Guard ceremony is called the King’s Watch and is more impressive with the Royal Guard band and more soldiers. If one of the Royal Princes is at home in the role of a regent then the ceremony is called The Lieutenant Watch and drums and flutes accompany the procession. When no royal is at home or the Prince is at home but not as a Regent then it is called the Manor Watch and the route is shorter.
Changing of the Guard Copenhagen Practical Details:
When: Changing of the Guard Copenhagen begins daily when it leaves from the barracks near Rosenborggade at 11:31 and arrives at the Palace for the ceremony at 12 noon. Daily every two hours the guards change but without the pomp and ceremony, the main “show” is at 12. On the Queen’s birthday (16th April) and other special occasions the uniforms are special and the ceremony more exciting.
Where: The soldiers follow a route from the barracks to Rosenborggade, Kobmagergade, Ostergade, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, Sct. Annae Plads, Amaligade, and finally the Royal Palace Amalienborg. The best place to view the ceremony is outside the Royal Palace in the courtyard at 1257 Kobenhavn K as the route through the city varies but the Palace is always the destination, be there at 12 noon.
