After the Parade

As the crowds began to thin out, it was much easier to move towards the Palace. And I was thankful I made the decision to stay and explore. After all, I had many friends and family at home following my adventure and living vicariously through me. I had a responsibility! I could sleep later.

I wanted so badly to share what I had seen, I was taking photos of the back of my camera to post to Facebook!

Being in the crowd wasn't as unsettling as it could have been. The crowd was actually very happy! There was so much joy among the thousands that were still on The Mall. The energy was like something I had never experienced before. And I was thrilled - I would likely never experience this ever again!

People were moving in all directions. Towards the Palace, towards St. James's Park, towards Trafalgar Square. As I moved forward towards my goal, I stopped to take photos and capture this momentous occasion.

Coming or going?

The further I moved down The Mall the more excited I was of the prospect of finally seeing Buckingham Palace up close. This had been a dream since I was at least 10 years old, maybe younger. I was almost there! I just had to get past that huge screen and stage.

I had to approach in stages. There were still band members and parade participants moving in and out of the area. I spent some time across from the Victoria Memorial watching the musicians, including pipers. It was a lovely encore presentation!

I finally made it to the Palace fence and was thankful for a small ledge to sit/lean against. The day was getting warm and I was very aware that I hadn't eaten in several hours. But I wasn't gong to rush this moment.

I made it to the Palace!

I was able to see the guards, the balcony (which couldn't be seen thanks to the extra large screen for the concert happening during the festivities) and just the palace itself. I also was able to get a good look at all the TV cameras and snipers on the roof! And, the Queen's Standard which was flying above the Palace was huge! It was considerably larger than the flags that usually fly.

I felt privileged to be where I was standing. I sat there for a while and just looked around at all of the preparations that were taking place to prepare for the tree and beacon lighting ceremonies for that evening. It was going to be an amazing experience! I would be content to watch it from my flat.

This was my first glimpse of the Tree of Trees.

Tree of Trees

The Tree of Trees was just that, a sculpture of a tree, holding trees. The environment was front and centre in the Jubilee celebrations, starting in the autumn of 2021 with the planting of trees as part of the Queen's Green Canopy project. A million trees were to be planted through this initiative.

As part of the Platinum Jubilee beacon lighting, this sculpture would be the centre piece. It would also serve as the backdrop for the Saturday night concert. Just how cool this tree was wouldn't be revealed until later that evening when Her Majesty lit the lights from Windsor Castle, leading to the lighting of the 2800 beacons around the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

According to Google Maps, I wasn't far from the Buckingham Palace Gift Shop. That seemed like the next reasonable stop. But before that, I came across another crowd cheering as they looked up at a green mesh covered structure. The cheering was because Piers Morgan was conducting an interview and including the crowd. Turned out, that's where the broadcasters were stationed. I had always wondered where all those news stations were when they were reporting on Royal events.

I left the Palace area, passed the Royal Mews and Art Gallery and headed towards the shop. The line up was around the corner. Also around the corner, a fantastic little deli! That's where I had lunch, bought supper to take home and refuelled before approaching the gift shop. What was I after that I hadn't already purchased? The official program. What did I come out with? The official program for the Jubilee, more postcards, two boxes of Strawberry Vanilla Summer Tea (for my upcoming National Scrapbook Day tea party), and some fun Buckingham Palace stuff for Hannah.

Next stop: Battersea!