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.
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.