The Royal Palace – The Royal Guards

The Royal Guards

The Royal Guards are an important part of the Royal Family's protection, and of Stockholm's military preparedness. And also one of our most popular tourist attractions.

The Royal Guards have had a presence at the Palace since 1523, when it consisted of 100-200 soldiers who were also responsible for the city's security arrangement and fire protection.

Today, units from throughout Sweden make up the Royal Guards, which is an important part of the Royal Family's protection and of Stockholm's military preparedness. The Life Guard has the main responsibility for manning the Royal Guards.

The changing of the guards and the parade are also a popular tourist attraction. During the summer months, the parade marches or rides with the Music Corps through the streets of the city and up to the Outer Courtyard of the palace.

In connection with The King's official duties, such as state visits and audiences, additional guards take part in parades. These include bodyguards in King Karl XI's uniform, mounted escorts and grenadier guards in their distinctive 19th century bearskin hats.

Top image: Main Guard post outside the Royal Palace of Stockholm's West Gate. Photo: Raphael Stecksén/Royalpalaces.se

Military parade with the Music Corps. Photo: Gösta Glase/Royalpalaces.se

The mounted Main Guards rides into the Outer Courtyard. Photo: Royalpalaces.se

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Guided tours Open today 10.00-16.00

A guided tour will ensure that your visit to the palace is particularly memorable. Our knowledgeable guides bring objects to life, puttin...

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App with guides Open today 10.00-16.00

The Swedish Royal Palaces app includes a number of features to enhance your visit to the Royal Palaces.

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For children Open today 10.00-16.00

The Palace's grand state rooms, the mediaeval gate at the Tre Kronor Museum and the crowns in the Treasury are just a few of the exciting...

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Events

Royal Palace tour 1 Sep – 30 Dec

Join our knowledgeable guides for a tour through the state rooms at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. During the tour, history will be broug...

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Discover more at The Royal Palace

The Royal Apartments Open today 10.00-16.00

The Royal Apartments at the Palace is a collective name for the magnificent state rooms that are used at The King and Queen's receptions.

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The Treasury Open today 10.00-16.00

In dark cellar vaults at the Royal Palace the Monarchy's most important symbols – the Regalia – are kept in safe-keeping. See fascinating...

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Museum Three Crowns Open today 10.00-16.00

The Museum Three Crowns (Tre Kronor) is a museum dedicated to the original Tre Kronor Palace in Stockholm, which was destroyed in a viole...

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The Royal Gift Shop Open today 10.00-16.00

Welcome to a boutique that is something out of the ordinary. The Royal Gift Shop is a unique present and souvenir shop offering products ...

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Welcome to one of Europe's oldest museums, which first opened its doors in 1794. Gustav III's collection of sculptures are shown in the P...

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The Royal Chapel features examples of architecture, décor and artworks by some of the leading masters of their times: Nikodemus Tessin th...

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Articles and movies

Take a ride in the Royal Stables' Daimler DE27 Limousine, and listen to driver Martin Forsén as he talks about the Royal Stables' oldest ...

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The Swedish Royal Palaces app 'Kungliga slotten' now includes a number of new features to enhance your visit to the royal palaces.

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A new experience is now available! Take a guided tour around the Royal Palace, and learn about its history, architecture, sculpture and s...

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