All Things Royal

Using the Underground, we made our way to Buckingham Palace to immerse ourselves in more things Royal. After being processed through security just like at the airport, we joined the hundreds of tourists and entered the palace, not really sure what we would be able to see. Surprisingly, we had access to many rooms which are used for receptions and family events. Amazingly, we saw paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens,Van Dyke and more as the 'firm' has been collecting masterpieces for hundreds of years.

A highlight was the special exhibition of Royal toys and nursery furniture used by Elizabeth and Margaret, as well as her children and grandchildren. The most extravagant item, in my opinion, was the miniature caravan, complete with tow bar and internal accessories. There were battery driven cars which could tow the van.

The statue opposite the palace glitters startlingly against the grey skies of London

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The gates of the Palace are adorned with the Royal crest.

 Peter, inside the Palace grounds. No photos were allowed 

inside.

There are enormous grounds for the Royals to enjoy, including rolling green lawns, a lake and lush gardens.

Here we are the next day, back for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. There were literally thousands of people there and most of them would have seen very little! We were lucky enough to fluke a spot near the action but, even then, struggled to see clearly. The ceremony is long winded and nothing much happens quickly!

Lots of guards paraded around.

Off to the Tower of London where this 'Beefeater' was our informative guide, telling of the gruesome executions carried out by previous Kings in the Tower grounds. The crowds were overwhelming and the queues enormous. We actually decided to forgo looking at the Queen's jewels because we would have had to queue for over an hour and it was beyond us to do it! Never mind...life goes on.

 We did get to see the armour and weapons store though. Pretty spectacular considering that some of the armour was actually worn by Charles 1 and other famous Kings (and their horses).

A must have pic!

Our selfie, in fron of the Tower Bridge which is lovely to look at with its blue paint and gold decorations. The actual London Bridge up the road is very boring.

tower Bridge - it lifts up for ships.

 And the obligatory picture of a London bus, with London Bridge written on the front!