Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth!

Despite a somewhat late night, we all woke up early to head to Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Birthday celebration. Though the Queen's actual birthday is in April, the tradition is to celebrate it in June because the weather is better for outdoor events. As with all good birthday parties, the royal guard was out in all their livery. We snuck up to the front of the railing and got a pretty good view as the guard marched in. They all looked so spiffy in their bearskin hats and dress uniforms, arms swinging in unison.

Lots of marching.

We also had a great view of the horse guards as they lined up in front of the palace gates. One unfortunate member of the Blues and Royals had some trouble with his horse and was actually thrown to the ground. It was all very dramatic considering the rigid order of the rest of the ceremony, but no sooner was the rider standing up than he was back on his horse and marching into place.

Our view of the Horse Guards.

Soon after, the Queen made her grand appearance in an open top carriage, leading the procession of the royal family out of the gates and towards the ceremony grounds. We weren’t aware when we headed to the parade that the actual event (called the Trooping of the Colours) didn’t take place at Buckingham. So after all our effort, we saw the queen for a second and a half and that was all.

Creepers watching from the palace windows.

We decided not to wait another hour and a half for their return and instead headed to the nearest pub. Yes, at 10:30 a.m. Don’t worry mom, we only had snacks. After a plate of rather interesting nachos (apparently Doritos chips and aged cheddar = nachos), we headed back to the mall to see the Queen and the royal family gather on the balcony. Though we could barely see, it was totally worth it.

The Queen and fam.

I find the whole construct of the monarchy really fascinating. The fact that an entire country honors what is essentially a figurehead with little real political power is just baffling. Plus they are all so glamorous. What’s not to love? (not a real question, let’s not get political here). Following the parade, the news was all about Kate Middleton and how composed she was at the event. I get it, but shouldn't it be all about the Queen on her birthday?

cheers,
kate.