Duties of the Royal Guard
The Royal Guard is responsible for the military aspects of ceremonies and celebrations, while also guarding the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Drottningholm Palace, and the royal family. In addition, the Royal Guard is an important part of military readiness in Stockholm.
Photo: Torbjörn Gustafsson
CEREMONIAL DUTIES
The Royal Guard serves as the King’s honor guard and participates in a variety of state ceremonial events. State ceremonies are formal official celebrations that take place, for example, during state visits, royal anniversaries, and on National Day. The activities are coordinated by the Commandant Staff, which acts as a link between the Swedish Armed Forces, the Royal Court, and the Government Offices.
PROTECTING THE ROYAL FAMILY
One of the Royal Guard’s main tasks is to protect the designated security objects, the Royal Palace in Stockholm and Drottningholm Palace. For this reason, all Royal Guard soldiers receive special security guard training. The Royal Guard carries out these protective duties in cooperation with the police and the palace administrations.
In addition to protecting the royal family and the two palaces, the Royal Guard plays an important role in Stockholm’s military readiness.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTION
The guard parade through Stockholm and the changing of the guard in the Outer Courtyard are two of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. An estimated 800,000 spectators visit the Outer Courtyard of the Royal Palace each year to watch ceremonies involving the Royal Guard.
Changing of the guard ceremonies take place every day of the year. Guard parades with a military band through Stockholm are most common during the summer months from May through August.