Jubilee rehearsals

It has been a busy day, as I knew it would be. We were up early and went for a 6km run through the woods with Xena - we had planned to go to London today and I wanted her to have a run around before we went.

The reason for the trip to London was to photograph the Mall with all the flags up for the Jubilee procession that is taking place on 2nd June. As everyone knows, this year is the Platinum Jubilee celebration for Her Majesty the Queen - 70 years on the throne, the longest serving British Monarch. Up and down the country villages, towns and cities are planning Jubilee parties next weekend as we have an extra Bank Holiday to be able to celebrate this special occasion. London has been preparing for this special Trooping of the Colour for a few weeks now, and there are flags everywhere to mark the occasion. What a time to be in London!

We drove up to London (with Xena), driving along the Kings Road to see the Chelsea in Bloom festival. Every year when the Chelsea Flower Show is on, the shops, cafes and restaurants along the Kings Road festoon their doorways with elaborate flower decorations. I did want to take photos of some of them but it was so busy with so many people in the way taking photos that I just enjoyed the sights from the comfort of the car.

We parked at Gavin's office, which is near Buckingham Palace, and then walked to the Mall. What we did not realise was that today there was a full dress rehearsal of the event that is taking place next Thursday. There were so many people watching, and many foreign visitors and tour guides - as one guide said, this was the best time to see the procession as next Thursday there will be millions of people and you won't be able to get a decent view at all. It was difficult to get photos as the Mall was double barricaded off, so you had to stand back and there were always barricades in view. If a tree was not blocking your view then someone's head was, but I managed to get some shots (and also deleted many when I got home). Nobody does pomp and circumstance like the Brits, and it was fantastic to watch the event - I confess I got a bit emotional at the pride on those young guards' faces and thinking about the queen ruling for so long. It was slick and so professional, and as for the horses - such well trained magnificent beasts. Those pulling the heavy military cannon coaches were a bit spooked by the noise as it clattered down the Mall (as was Xena). There was a significant police and military presence, all seriously armed as is sadly necessary today with the threat of terrorism. I have added some more photos in my extras.

After we watched, it took ages to get back to the car as we could not cross the road until the street cleaning vehicles had come and cleaned up all the horse poo, and then trying to cross near Buckingham Palace we got held back for ages as all the soldiers and horses returned to barracks. 

It was a marvellous spectacle, and I am pleased I have seen it. I am sure the Queen will be very proud and impressed by her troops when they troop for her on Thursday.

Now I must go get ready as we are going out to friends for dinner - and tomorrow is another exciting day....