On the evening of 18 April 2025, fifty Members of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCoSP) and their guests gathered at the iconic Tower of London to witness the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, an unbroken tradition dating back over 700 years.

The group assembled promptly at 7.20pm, where they were met by Yeoman Warders and escorted into the Tower’s historic grounds. A fascinating guided tour offered attendees a rare opportunity to explore the Tower after hours, absorbing the rich history of this former royal palace, fortress, and prison. Following the tour, members and guests convened at the exclusive Yeoman Warders Club, affectionately known as The Keys, where refreshments were available from the pay bar.

As the clock approached 10pm, the party was ushered outside for a briefing before observing the Ceremony itself. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Tower’s mighty battlements, footsteps echoed in the darkness. The sentry’s cry—‘Halt, who comes there?’—was met by the traditional reply: ‘The keys.’ ‘Whose keys?’ ‘King Charles’ keys.’ ‘Pass then, all’s well.’This time-honoured exchange, virtually unchanged for centuries, signified the formal locking of the Tower, a ritual still performed nightly to safeguard the Crown Jewels and other priceless artefacts.

After the Ceremony, guests had the option to depart or return to The Keys, where the evening continued until closing at 11pm.