We saw an exhibition of the works of Leonardo da Vinci in the Queen's Gallery, watched the Changing of the Guard, and then toured the State Rooms in the Palace and the Royal Mews.
View of the front of Buckingham Palace. We had a beautiful day to watch the Changing of the Guard.
Jim walking towards the Palace.
Ornate palace gates.
A portrait of Leonardo da Vinci probably by Francesco Melzi, his assistant done c1515 AD in red chalk. The only reliable image, it shows him a few years before his death in 1519 at the age of 67.
Original binding of the original folio of Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical drawings. Drawings were removed around 1900 for display.
Standing behind a number of folks all pressed up against the fence I was lucky to capture a lone sentry at his post.
Assembling the Guard captured over heads and through the fence.
Assembling the Guard captured over heads and through the fence.
I moved across the street, turned out to be a good thing.
The Queen Victoria Memorial Statue.
The band came first. The privilege of guarding the Sovereign traditionally belongs to the Household Troops, better known as ‘the Guards’, who have carried out this duty since 1660.
The band was followed by the rifles.
Crowd control from horseback. Right before the Olympics so it was packed.
The Horse Guards, awesome pageantry!
Instead of going into the center gate they all headed to the far gate to enter the Palace grounds.
The band leaving the Palace.
Rifles leaving the Palace, we did not see any Horse Guards leave, phooey.
Irish State Coach in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.
Irish State Coach marker in the Royal Mews.
The Mews, a row of stables, usually with carriage houses below and living quarters above, built around a paved yard or court. Working in the Royal Mews is passed down through generations.
Francie Stoutamire Photography
