The change of palace guards took place according to a fixed ceremony, which was accompanied by a band. During the changing of the guard, the Kakh Street in front of the Marble Palace was usually cordoned off in order to allow the changing of the guard to proceed smoothly. On the April 10th in question, the guards marched as usual for the changing of the guard. The officer on duty came over to meet them and informed them that the changing of the guard today would be without ceremony, which was completely unusual. The guards were changed as ordered without ceremony.
