This morning we waited for about 30 minutes (luckily in the shade) with the crowd steadily building around us. We were waiting to see the very British institution of the changing of the guard. We had a prime position right at the front of Friary court (at the back of Saint James Palace) next to the fence. Research told us that this was the best viewing spot and it certainly was!
Saint James Palace is where Charles became King. He lives here, as does Princess Anne. We overheard a tour guide saying that Buckingham Palace is basically a P R exercise, and that St James palace is where everything happens.
The band plays for the King, so they face the palace, not the street. Fun fact – Charles selects all the music himself and, after Tina Turner died, the band played one of her hits!
We followed the parade up to Buckingham Palace, perched on a wall,and spent some time watching the ceremony here. Even though it was starting to get very busy now, we managed to get a reasonable view from our spot on the wall.
Next stop was the Royal Mews, with its huge range of carriages and some fancy stables. Below is a small selection of some of the carriages which were on display.
The Gold coach used for the Coronations is completely covered in gold leaf! This was the most stunning coach.
Next stop was lunch at, you guessed it, Wetherspoons! Kim tried a traditional steak and kidney pudding, and Sally had an untraditional Mediterranean salad with roasted vegetables (for all you foodies out there!)
Fuelled up, we continued on to our last stop, the Guards Museum.
Now something for the diehard royalists amongst you!
And that was the end of our ‘Right Royal’ Day!
Traveling Further 