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Buckingham Palace

This was one of the first sites we visited since it was closest to our hotel. We made it to the palace just in time for the changing of the guard. It was interesting but like our Frommer's says "overrated." I guess it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so crowded. We could barely see anything. What we were able to see was filled with the pomp and circumstance we would expect. Notice especially the crowds in the shots below. I couldn't believe it.

Unfortunately the Palace itself was not open for tours since the Queen was home this time of year. We were told that it's typically only open for tours in August and September and even then only when the Queen is away.

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Buckingham Palace from the side.
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Zoomed in on one of the guards.
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Here comes the parade.
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First the band.
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Then the guards.
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The changing of the guard I could see.
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I don't know who these guys on horses are supposed to be.
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Looks like they want to keep out the riff-raff.
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Police officer in front of the impressive gate.
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Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is responsible for local ground travel for the Queen when she's on royal business. They handle travel via carriage and via car. I was hoping to see the fancy carriages I've seen on TV as well as her fleet of cars. Unfortunately no cars but the carriages were pretty cool.

The first display was of classic carriages. Lily was amazed how tiny the really old carriages were. Then there was a display of the "official" attire of the Mews and finally the display of carriages. Most of these coaches are quite old and some are still occasionally used by Queen Elizabeth for special events.

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Lily couldn't believe how tiny the old carriages were.
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Stevenson, one of the Queen's horses.
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One of the uniforms.
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Another uniform.
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The harness room.
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The Monarch of the Ocean coach built in 1762.
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Here you can see the detail.
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The Glass Coach.
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The Irish State Coach.
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The Riding School.
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Comments From People Like You!
Buckingham Palace		Add a Comment add a comment
Phil Cole
10-May-2007 12:39
The guys on the horses are the Household Cavalry. They are the old Guard returning to Knightsbridge Barracks after changing the Guard at Whitehall. They would have been relieved by the Blues and Royals Regiment (blue tunic instead of red). They change the Guard every 24 hrs at 11am (10am on Sundays) 365 days of the year rain or shine. They pass in front of the Palace as in the picture to salute the Foot Guard. If the Queen is in residence then a trumpeter rides with them and he sounds the Royal salute. The Horse Guards are the most Senior Regiment in the British Army.
Next Section: The next site is The British Museum which was incredible.
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