Changing of the Guard ceremony to return
The AFM is to reintroduce the Changing of the Guard ceremony on the Palace Square in Valletta as from Monday. The ceremony will he held twice a month.
The last regular ceremonial changing of the guard took place in 1971.
The new guard will form up at City Gate preceded by the AFM Band. They will march down Republic Street and take their positions on the Palace square
The old guard will form up inside the inner courtyard of the Palace and will then march out on to Palace Square escorted by a Leading Drummer.
When both guards take positions facing each other on the square, the drummer rejoins the band. They will then acknowledge each other by Presenting Arms in successive moves.
On a signal, the Sergeants of the 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 Sgt will hand over the key.
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 guards will then march out in slow time. The AFM Band and old guard will keep 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, on October 1, 15 and 29, November 12 and 26 and December 3, 17 and 31.
Monday's ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

