A Royal Week

What an amazingly British week we have had!  First, Laura attended the horse races at Royal Ascot and that weekend we both attended Trooping the Colour.  The Queen was present at both events and we felt very lucky to be in attendance.  The Language School at Shrivenham organized a trip to Royal Ascot for all the international students.  The dress code was rigid with all women required to wear a hat with shoulders covered and dress covering the knee.  They rode in a comfortable bus to the race track and had tickets to the Queen Anne Enclosure.  Upon arrival, the ladies grabbed seats by the track in the sunshine as the weather was beautiful

Since there was plenty of time before the races started, (the Queen needed to arrive before they would begin) Laura decided to go exploring the enclosure.  There were many food vendors, betting stations and restaurants ranging from afternoon tea to 5 course meals.  It was great people watching as everyone had on beautiful hats and coordinating dresses.  

Further down the enclosure, Laura and her friends came across an grass oval area surrounded by seating.  They found out this was where the Queen would arrive by carriage and walk into her viewing area.  They got seats and were amazed when the Queen's carriage rode right past where they were standing --- these photos were taken without any zoom!!

While waiting, they were entertained by the military band playing on the lawn and later by the news crews on camera for the event.

After the Queen's arrival it was time for the races to begin.  They each only lasted a few minutes but it was exciting to see all the spectators jumping and cheering for their horse while clutching their betting stub.  

Our second Royal event happened because Tyler was lucky to be chosen for tickets to the Queen's Trooping the Colour.   The 17th of June was a really hot day and Tyler donned a light colored suit and Laura wore a hat.  There are strict dress codes for these events and we blended in like true Brits.

Trooping the Colour dates back to King Charles II in the 17th Century.  The colors of the regiment were used as a rallying point in battle so were "trooped" in front of soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognize his own regiment.  

The event now takes place on the Queen's Official Birthday.  When younger, she used to attend the event riding side-saddle on a horse wearing the uniform of the particular regiment being trooped.  However, since 1987, she now attends in a carriage rather than riding.  

Since it is her birthday, all the Royal Family members attend as well.  The year we attended (2017), Prince Harry rode in the carriage with Camilla and the Duchess of Cambridge while Prince William rode on horseback with the troops.  He is the Duke of Cambridge, Colonel of the Irish Guards. 

It was an abnormally hot day in June and we were sweltering in the stands.  Laura kept her fan moving air for us both but we were impressed by the Queen who didn't have any shade and sat watching the troops file past in the sun.  We felt badly for the troops in their red coats and bearskin hats - at least 5 faints face first into the gravel before being carried out on stretchers.

We had great seats getting to see all the action and even had some shade from nearby trees for part of the event.  It was amazing seeing the different uniforms, horses and even a band entirely on horseback still playing their instruments.  Laura's favorite were the two horses each carrying a rider and two large drums.

After the parade finished, the Royal Family exited on their carriages followed by the parade of troops down the Mall toward Buckingham Palace.

We followed behind, walking down the Mall while it was blocked off on both sides.  Only those that had been through security and were guests at the Trooping of the Colour were allowed to walk behind the end of the parade towards the Palace.  It felt oddly like being a celebrity as everyone behind the barriers were holding large cameras and watching the men in suits and women in fancy hats walking down the Mall.  After the Royal Family arrived at Buckingham Palace and made their way onto the balcony, the RAF had several airplanes fly past.  The last formation of jets streamed red, white and blue patriotic smoke from behind.  It was impressive.  

We felt a bit guilty, but since our wonderful friends at Shrivenham were watching Callum and Claire for us and we were already in London for the day, we decided to check out a West End show.  We purchased tickets to see Wicked and it was amazing.  So nice to be able to enjoy such a memorable day together in London having very British experiences.