The Queen's Guard are responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and St.James Palace in London. They usually consist of Foot Guards in full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskins. When the Queen is in residence, there are four Foot Guards at the front of the building; when she is away there are two. The responsibility of guarding the Sovereign by the Houshold Troops (as they were known at the time) dates back to the time of Henry VII (1485-1509). These men are not just ceremonial guards but also serving soldiers. While upholding the traditions of the past, they also perform duties throughout the world as professional soldiers and are known as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army. The photos were taken on September 9, 2007.