Hyde Park Corner

My first day in London was spent mostly sleeping, recovering from my flight from Los Angeles to London via Washington, DC, and from the time change. I stayed at the London Marriott Kensington which was on a bus line to Hyde Park Corner, where I went to on day 2. You need an Oyster Card to ride the London buses and underground, 5 pounds for the card and then you put money on it to cover your transportation.

I walked from the Wellington Arch (photo) at Hyde Park Corner to Buckingham Palace, where I would see the Changing of the Guards.

Hyde Park Corner

Wellington Arch

The Angel of Peace is on top of the Wellington Arch.

Wellington Arch

Wellington Statue

Among other statues at Hyde Park Corner is the Wellington Statue.

Wellington Statue

Royal Artillery Memorial

Another memorial at Hyde Park Corner is the Royal Artillery Memorial.

Royal Artillery Memorial

New Zealand War Memorial

Another memorial at Hyde Park Corner is the New Zealand War Memorial.

New Zealand War Memorial

Queen Victoria Memorial

It was about a 10–minute walk from Hyde Park Corner to the Queen Victoria Memorial which is directly across from Buckingham Palace. I would claim my spot on the memorial to watch the Changing of the Guards at the palace.

I saw the Changing of the Guards in 2004. I went back again to see them in 2005, on July 7, the day of the London subway bombing. We were told to evacuate the area and there was no Changing of the Guards that day, a completely surreal day in London dealing with the terrorist bombings. Sometimes it is good to go back when all is calm to forget when it wasn’t.

Queen Victoria Memorial

Queen Victoria Memorial

The top of the memorial.

Queen Victoria Memorial

Queen Victoria Memorial

Closer–up.

Queen Victoria Memorial

Queen Victoria Memorial

Statue on the memorial.

Queen Victoria Memorial

Viewing Spot

My viewing spot on the memorial looking at Buckingham Palace. I got here about 1 1/2 hours early and a large crowd was already here. The ceremony usually starts at 11:15 a.m. and lasts for 45 minutes, daily from April to the end of July and then alternate days in other months.

Viewing Spot

The Crowd

The crowd got heavier later. It’s a very popular tourist attraction.

The Crowd

The Ceremony

Here comes the first part of the ceremony.

The Ceremony

The Ceremony

Closer–up.

The Ceremony

The Ceremony

These two weren’t attached to any group but had very interesting head gear.

The Ceremony

Horse Guards

Horse guards.

Horse Guards

Horse Guards

Closer–up.

Horse Guards

Changing of the Guards–MOVIE-1

The guards marching to the palace.

Changing of the Guards–MOVIE-1

More of the Ceremony

Another group is coming in.

More of the Ceremony

Changing of the Guards–Movie-2

More of the Changing of the Guards.

Changing of the Guards–Movie-2

Horse Guards

The horse guards.

Horse Guards

The Guards

Another group of guards.

The Guards

The Guards

Close–up.

The Guards

Inside the Palace Grounds

The actual Changing of the Old Guards for the New Guards happens inside the palace grounds.

Inside the Palace Grounds

Changing of the Guards–Movie-3

The ceremony starting inside the palace grounds.

Changing of the Guards–Movie-3

Buckingham Palace

A photo of Buckingham Palace after the ceremony was over.

Buckingham Palace