Prince Charles and I stand around for hours...

The things I'll do for a blip!

Today I stood for hours (well, at least an hour) waiting to see P C & C. They were reviewing the troops, but were away on the other side of the road, and I was jealous of people with huge cameras (media folk) who got all the best places. The general populace were kept well back behind barriers.

I was surrounded by Canadian tourists, who were very excited about seeing the Royals. One woman had wanted to see in Holyrood Palace today, but couldn't because P C was there. The same thing had happened when she came 30 years ago, and Mrs Windsor was in residence! She said she might give up.

The parade, when it eventually came, was most underwhelming. I've seen much better ones without any Royals present. You'd think they'd pull out the stops... Mind you, all the Canadians clapped at the end - they seemed pleased enough. But there were only about four regiments, one with a band of brass instruments, and no pipe bands! Wonder if P C thought it wasn't up to much... I suppose it wouldn't be PC of P C to say so.

I try not be excited about seeing the Royals. I remember once I was driving past Crathes Church, in Aberdeenshire, and there were hordes of police. I stopped and asked what was going on - maybe a drugs raid or an armed offender on the loose. No. The old Queen Mum was coming to church. Ho hum. Pretty boring.

However, I stayed, just because I was there. But as her Range Rover swept up the drive, past just me standing there, my HAND shot out, involuntarily, in a WAVE! Couldn't believe it.

I chose this shot today because I'd spent half the day waiting for it (or something better than it, actually). Another back view of chaps in red jackets, marching nicely, this time with added Royalty. Ho hum...