Historic Day in London

It was a historic day in London today (even by the centuries old standard which is London).  It was the  opening of the State Parliament today.  The Queen is taken from Buckingham Palace by coach to the Parliament in all the pageantry which you would expect including horses, guards and bobbies.  We decided to take a walking tour this morning which had mentioned something about the Queen.  Wow.  We ended up behind the scenes in the Horses Guard Parade (not an actual parade but a parade ground) which was not open to the public - our guide had some pull!  There were three coach processions.  The first procession was for the Crown jewels ("her best hat" as coined by the Queen) in a coach.  The second coach procession was Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla) - this was the historic part - Prince Charles has not attended the opening of Parliament since 1998 and all of Britain is aflutter as to one of the first signs that Prince Charles will become King.  The coach procession was Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in the "Irish" coach purchased by Queen Victoria.  We were within 30 yards of the coaches.  We then hightailed it to Buckinham Palace and again got preferential viewing space for their return - we were within 10 yards of the coaches this time on the Mall.  Not too many people get to see the Queen and we got to see her twice.  Our Guide, Tom Hooper was amazing.

Jan at Buckingham Palace

We then walked through St. James Park to Trafalgar Square and had lunch in the Crypt at St. Martins in the Field Church.  This is literally an old crypt beneath the church where the markers were on the floor:

A Marker on the Floor in the Crypt in St. Martins in the Field Cafe

The Crypt at St. Martins in the Field

We spent the rest of the day wandering around Covent Garden.  Had dinner at St. Christpher's Inn (the bar at the hostel) - great food for a great price.  Went to Picadilly Circus to wander around in the evening and returned home for a well deserved night's sleep.