14 Sept 2013 ~ Buckhingham Palace Changing of the Guard

Listening to: Levon Helms Band ~ Atlantic City (Merlfest, 4/26/08)

We were right on time to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

On the way down, saw these statues of King George VI (1895-1952), crowned king in 1937. He was left-handed but forced by his tutors to write with his right hand. He also developed a stammer at age 8, but his speech improved with the help of his wife and an Australian speech therapist.

Queen Elizabeth, 1900-2002, was married to King George VI. She was one of the most popular members of the royal family in recent times and helped to stabilize the popularity of the monarchy as a whole.

Standing guard on Stable Yard Road, in front of the house where Prince Charles lives.

Made it just in time to see the guards marching down the street towards the Palace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xaPP4VAOso

I see where the Wizard of Oz movie got its inspiration for the Guards.

Here is the Palace. The crowds were massive.

Close up.

I offered to take a picture of a couple, so they took one of me.

The guards finally made it to the Palace gates.

http://youtu.be/HeoBxJxmMBw

I just had to get a shot of me with one of the official horses.