British King’s Guard Puppet Craft

Kids will love making their own British guards with this adorable King’s Guard puppet craft!

In addition to the famous landmarks, one of the most iconic symbols of London is the King’s Guard. In their red and black uniforms and bearskin hats, this group of soldiers is responsible for guarding official royal residences in the United Kingdom.

And now you can use our free printable to have your own changing of the guards experience in your home or classroom.

This is a perfect craft for to use in an England unit of study, before or after a trip to London, or just for fun!

At the bottom of this post you’ll also find some interesting facts about the King’s Guard to go over with your child or student as you’re making the craft.

British King’s Guard Puppet Craft

Materials

• King’s Guard printable (download below)
• Markers/colored pencils (red, black, yellow/gold, skin colored, grey)
• Glue/tape
• Popsicle sticks
• Black tissue paper

Instructions

First, download and print out the King’s Guard printable (available for free at the bottom of this post). Cardstock paper will make for sturdier puppets, but you can also use regular printer paper with success.

Use markers or colored pencils to color the body and face of your King’s Guards.

Now it’s time to complete the guard’s hats. We’ll use black tissue paper to give the hats a more realistic, textured look.

Cut your black tissue paper into small squares.

Cover one of the guard hats with glue and begin to stick crinkled pieces of the black tissue paper onto the hat until the hat is completely covered.

Cover the other two hats with tissue paper as well.

If you want to, at this point you can use a pen to add faces to the guards.

Cut out your guards. Older kids can cut around all the details of the guards, while younger kids can just cut a large oval around the shape of each guard.

Now you’re ready to attach the popsicle sticks to the back of the guards. Use glue or tape to secure the popsicle sticks (I used the large popsicle sticks) on the bottom portion of your puppet. Leave enough of the stick accessible at the bottom to make it easy to hold.

Your King’s Guard puppets are complete!

You can use your puppets to act out your own changing of the guard.

Facts about the King’s Guard

• The King’s Guard is known for its distinctive red tunic, tall bearskin hat, and black trousers. The uniform is a symbol of the British royal tradition.
• The tall black hats worn by the King’s Guard are made from the fur of black bears. They are an important part of the ceremonial uniform and are carefully maintained.
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside Buckingham Palace. It’s a spectacular event where one group of guards hands over responsibility to the incoming guards. The ceremony is accompanied by music from a military band.
• The Queen’s Guard is responsible for guarding several royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and the Tower of London.
• The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a popular tourist attraction in London. Visitors from around the world gather to witness this traditional display of royal pomp and ceremony.
• The Queen’s Guard is known for its serious and disciplined appearance. They remain still and focused, rarely showing any emotion, during their duty. While on duty, the Queen’s Guard remains focused and does not engage in conversations with onlookers.

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