Buckingham Palace

September 8

 

Today a large group of us went to Buckingham Palace. As always with a large group, we got split up pretty fast, and ended up with smallish groups. We went to go see the changing of the guards at 11:15, but even getting there half hour early we couldn't see anything, so a few of us plan to go back another day. Although I did get a couple pics of some people leaving by horseback.

 

 

I also was not really able to get a great pic of Buckingham Palace itself because of the large crowds, but will work on that when I go again to see the changing of the guards.

Front side of Buckingham Palace                                                           Back of Buckingham Palace     

We did the Royal Day Out, which means we went to the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and the State Rooms. The Queen's Gallery was good.

Interesting historical information, and gorgeous pictures.

 Pictures from the Queen's Gallery

 

 Pictures from the Queen's Gallery

There were also items other then pictures.

After the Gallery was the Royal Mews (which is the stables).

They were pretty cool. Got to see some of the horses, and the tack room.

                          Stevenson                                                                                                Concord 

While at the Mews, we also got to see some of the carriages that the Royals used.

 

After the Mews we went to the State Rooms. The State Rooms don't allow for photography, so I don't have pictures, but I also don't think that pictures would have been able to do it justice. Buckingham Palace is beautifully decorated, extremely elaborate, and like nothing you have ever seen. It was incredible to be able to see where the Royals have lived parts of their lives. We were able to see where some of the Royal pictures of Will and Kate on their wedding were taken. We also saw the current exhibition called "Royal Childhood," which was so interesting to see a number of things from the Royals, and how it was growing up. Would definitely suggest putting 'go through the state rooms' on your bucket list. The other ones you could probably live without, but the state rooms are a must see. 
After you leave the Palace, you walk through the Queen's Garden, which is very nice.

 

 It was a long day (left at 10:30, didn't get back until 6), but it was great! I'm enjoying London, but I'm back to class tomorrow. Time to get my homework done.