Copenhagen Tourists Flock to See the Blue-Coated Guards: Changing of the Guard

I had not really planned to attend the changing of the guard; I just happened upon the event. I was wandering down Bredgade (street) fascinating by all the canvases from the Golden Age of Danish Painting (1820-1880) that were on display in the gallery windows. Next, I passed by an ornate cathedral with a domed roof that seemed a bit misplaced in this Nordic country, and then to my right there was a short street that led to an open plaza, where a large group of people were standing around as if some great event was about to transpire.

Out of curiosity more than anything else, I made my way over to the square (Amalienborg Square) to see what was going on. It did not take me long to find the answer, for out of one corner came a squad of uniformed guards, while from a different corner proceeded another group of the "blue coats." The precision by which the two groups marched and did their "exchanging" of places was remarkable. The changing of the guards brought a hush among the tourists, as the captains barked out their commands and the troops responded in unison. It was an unexpected surprise, that lit up my morning, yet if somebody had asked me beforehand, if I wanted to attend the changing of the guard, I would have most likely scoffed at the idea. All in all it was a great discovery.

The changing of the guard at the Amalienborg palace only occurs when the queen is in residence. That would be any time of the year except for the summer months, when the royal family retires to the countryside. Her place of residence is called the Amalienborg Palace and the current queen is Queen Margrethe II. Her son, Crown Prince Frederick, lives nearby in another royal palace.