Chasing the guards: One of the two mounted regiments known as the Queen’s Life Guards. They wear metal helmets, white plumes and red tunics.
It was by pure accident that we have learned about the schedule of Changing The Guard that day. (It was December 3rd.) We saw a bunch of people running across Green Park towards the gate near Buckingham Palace. Hundreds of eager spectators swarmed across the palace gates to witness this particular scenario.
Another group of the mounted regiment.
The Changing the Guard ceremony is probably one of the oldest and best attractions London has to offer. It normally starts at 11am during weekdays and 10am on Sundays. Schedule also varies during summer and winter and state/parliamentary occasions.
People and tourists came running to see the colorful parade.
This colorful army tradition dates back to the late 14th century, during the reign of Henry VII. They were known then as Household Troops who guard the Sovereign (the reigning British king or queen). The Household Division is composed of seven regiments: two Mounted Regiments known as The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals and five Regiments of Foot Guards – the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards.
Mounted police officer took charge of the traffic in front of the palace gates.
More than just ceremonial guards, they are also highly-skilled professional soldiers who are on active military service to the British crown and have engaged in many of the world’s fiercest battles.
There are some of us who wonder why this season often comes with an empty gift box, a shallow laughter, a bland feast, a melancholic sound on the radio. Its meaning drowned in a bottle of Coke or lost in an empty call card. It was part of the mundane, just another day to get us by. Call this time superfluous, nevertheless its excesses we often crave. But there would always be a soul out there desperate enough to find purpose even in a slab of ham.
I invite you to go back to where it all started. There may you find answers to quiet your doubts and rest to your weary soul.
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