Palace Square to witness Changing of the Guard

The Armed Forces of Malta will be re-introducing the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Valletta’s Palace Square after a near 40-year absence.

The ceremony, which will be held twice monthly, is symbolic of the formal handing over of responsibility from one guard to another at the Palace in Valletta.

The AFM said having ceremonial guards on duty at the Palace called for a reintroduction of the previously performed ceremony, albeit slightly altered. The last regular ceremonial changing of the guard took place in 1971.

“The version we are reintroducing is tailor-made for our needs and capabilities as a force which has all the ceremonial responsibilities required by our nation,” the AFM said.

Preceded by the AFM band, the new guard will assemble at City Gate, march down Republic Street and take its position on Palace Square. While this is going on, the “old” guard will assemble in the inner courtyard of the Palace prior to marching onto Palace Square escorted by a Leading Drummer.

When both guards take positions facing each other on the square, the drummer rejoins the band. The two guards will then acknowledge each other by presenting arms in successive moves.

On a signal, the sergeants of both old and new guards will march out and halt in the middle of the square.

They will change arms in successive moves and then the old guard sergeant will hand over the key to the Palace. During the handing over, the band will play soft ceremonial music. After the handing-over procedure, both guards will march in slow time. The new guard will march and halt four paces behind the old guard. The band and old guard will then carry on marching up Republic Street while the new guard will enter the Palace. The changing of the guard ceremonies this year will be held next Monday and on September 24, October 1, 15 and 29, November 12 and 26 and December 3, 17 and 31.

Monday’s ceremony starts at 10 a.m.