Changing of the Guard
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
The Changing of the Guard was a major event of the Covenant.
After the murder of the High Prophet of Regret, the Brute Honor Guards took the place of the Elites as the protectors of the High Prophets. As a result, the Elites were incensed that their role of protecting the Prophets, which they had faithfully executed for millenia, had been now delegated by these new upstarts and genetic rivals.
The Changing of the Guard occured in the beginning of the campaign level The Sacred Icon. The swap takes place during the opening cutscene for and Brutes can be seen taking the ceremonial staves and helmets from former Elite Honor Guards.