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Location Date Mon, 01 August 2016 1470071220 Sun, 31 July 2016 1469984760 Sat, 30 July 2016 1469898300 Fri, 29 July 2016 1469811840 Thu, 28 July 2016 1469725380 Wed, 27 July 2016 1469638920 Tue, 26 July 2016 1469552460 Mon, 04 July 2016 1467651660 Sun, 20 September 2015 1442738400 Fri, 18 September 2015
1442560020 Thu, 17 September 2015 1442487000 Wed, 16 September 2015 1442417460
Royal Day Out today as we headed off to Buckingham Palace. Not a great day weatherwise but we would be indoors for most of it. Three trains on the underground and we were there. Even though we are not in the height of the tourist season there were plenty of us (tourists).
We started with the Mews which, although it now means stables, used to mean 'moulting feathers' as it original;y described a building to keep the hunting birds - falcons. After explaining the history of the development of the Mews our guide then showed us a number of royal carriages and cars also stored in the Mews and explained their history and what event(s) they are brought out for. All of the carriages have internal lighting and one of the carriages has air conditioning and full suspension all of which had to be pointed out to us as it was impossible to see where the power units were on the carriage. There were 2 horses in the stables as the rest were on holiday for 10 weeks while the royals were away on holiday. There are only 2 breeds of horses used at the palace these being Windsor Greys or Cleveland Bays.
After the Mews we went to the Queens Gallery where we had a booking for a set time. The theme was the evolvement of gardens over the centuries and their documentation through paintings, some by very famous artists as you would expect. These themes change on a regular basis and all the paintings are owned by the royal family. Shows how big the collection is that they can pick out a 100 or more paintings around themes. Once we finished this we met Jane and had a late lunch before we headed back to the palace to view the State Rooms. We have been into a number of palaces over the years and this was one of the best and probably our favourite. We think this is because it is a palace that is being lived in by the Royal Family. The only reason we are able to visit is because they go away during the summer months to Balmoral in Scotland.
We returned home immediately after so we could see the opening of the Rugby World Cup on TV followed by the first game. We have also now started to see some indication that the RWC is happening with official cars and advertising now appearing.
We started with the Mews which, although it now means stables, used to mean 'moulting feathers' as it original;y described a building to keep the hunting birds - falcons. After explaining the history of the development of the Mews our guide then showed us a number of royal carriages and cars also stored in the Mews and explained their history and what event(s) they are brought out for. All of the carriages have internal lighting and one of the carriages has air conditioning and full suspension all of which had to be pointed out to us as it was impossible to see where the power units were on the carriage. There were 2 horses in the stables as the rest were on holiday for 10 weeks while the royals were away on holiday. There are only 2 breeds of horses used at the palace these being Windsor Greys or Cleveland Bays.
After the Mews we went to the Queens Gallery where we had a booking for a set time. The theme was the evolvement of gardens over the centuries and their documentation through paintings, some by very famous artists as you would expect. These themes change on a regular basis and all the paintings are owned by the royal family. Shows how big the collection is that they can pick out a 100 or more paintings around themes. Once we finished this we met Jane and had a late lunch before we headed back to the palace to view the State Rooms. We have been into a number of palaces over the years and this was one of the best and probably our favourite. We think this is because it is a palace that is being lived in by the Royal Family. The only reason we are able to visit is because they go away during the summer months to Balmoral in Scotland.
We returned home immediately after so we could see the opening of the Rugby World Cup on TV followed by the first game. We have also now started to see some indication that the RWC is happening with official cars and advertising now appearing.
- comments
Gael How BEAUTIFUL is that!
Gael Stunning - so elegant!
Gael Gorgeous ceiling for stables!
Gael OMG - the horses are gorgeous!
Gael Such pagentry!
Gael All that gold must weight a tonne - at least - poor horses!
Gael OMG - frescos on the carriage? Wow!
Gael Have you kept your paper cup as a momento?
Gael Wow! This sounds like such an interesting tour to do, one which you obviously relished. Thanks for the wonderful photos. Hmmm, if I could wave a magic wand I'd turn the old Hyundai into one of those gorgeous carriages! Dreams are cheap!
Sarah I never new you could look around Buckingham palace, a definite for the future. Though's coaches are really something else.xx
richard & mary the photos are wonderful thanks so much will be enjoing your trip with you
Roslyn Arent those coaches just wonderdul....
Allison That's so funny!
Allison Love to do what you did today. We have watched changing of the guard twice but not been in the palace. Will have to time our next visit for when the Queen is away!
Allison Wouldn't even know it is the RWC here in Aussie...very surprising. Maybe when Aussie play we may get the action...
Allison wow!