Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Buckingham Palace

I realize it is such a touristy thing to do but Fred and I waited an hour and a half with a crowd of people to view the ceremony of Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It was a good thing we got there when we did because it filled up quickly and there weren't very many places to stand with a decent view. We stood on the top step of the Victoria Monument***.
***If you think you can climb on top of the monument to sit, or sit any part of the monument that is not a step or the ground it is only a matter of time before you get kicked off by an unhappy officer.  We saw many people elated with joy of their awesome view and ingenious idea, followed moments later by extreme frustration when asked to get down.


Here come the bearskin hats!  It is unbelievable that this ceremony takes place just about every day. It is so elaborate. The Guards band played 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' among other songs.





A fresh guard on duty at Buckingham. 
Doesn't the chain look uncomfortable?
And how could they possibly see well with a hat covering their eyes?!

Two and a half hours later we were glad to see this changeover of guards which dates back to 1660, touristy or not.

1 comment:

  1. When we were there we heard the Star Wars theme song played. I guess a great deal of their music is more current even though the tradition is ancient. This is a series of really great photos. I love the parade aspect of it all! AND the hats! Who doesn't love a good hat?

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