Sweden - Högvakten / The Royal Guards
The Royal Guards perform state ceremonial duties on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces. They also take part in royal ceremonial occasions, official state visits, the opening of parliament, Swedish National Day, formal audiences, the official opening of the Swedish Academy, naval visits etc.
The Royal Guards are responsible, in cooperation with the police and palace authorities for guarding The Royal Palace of Stockholm and Drottningholm Palace. The Royal Guards are also part of the defence force of the centre of Stockholm. When guard duties are required, The Royal Guards also act as honorary guard to HM the King.
Changing the Guard takes place every day of the year. However the march through the city of Stockholm with military band is usually only during the summer months from May to August.
In addition to acting as honorary guard, the main duty of The Royal Guards is to protect the two royal palaces in Stockholm and Drottningholm. The Royal Guards are an important part of both the security systems at the palaces and military defence in Stockholm. All soldiers in The Royal Guards are therefore specially trained in protection duties.
The Royal Guards have been protecting the Royal Palace in Stockholm since 1523. Up to the mid 19th century, The Royal Guards comprised 100-200 men from guards units, who also maintained law and order in the city and provided fire-fighting services.
The Royal Guards and the Parade of Guards are amongst the most popular visitor attractions in Stockholm. An estimated 800,000+ spectators visit the outer palace courtyard each year to witness ceremonies like the Change of the Guard, state occasions and the normal changing of guards every other hour.
The Royal Guards also act as honorary guard at state ceremonies, ministry of defence official visits, visits by foreign military senior commanders and foreign naval visits.
Today around 50-60 people service in The Royal Guards, around 35 at Stockholm Royal Palace and 25 at Drottningholm.
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