Who doesn’t love visiting a stately palace or a magnificent castle? This month I’ll be writing about some of the royal residences that we’ve visited.
We didn’t even go inside the Royal Palace in Stockholm, but we were truly impressed by what we saw in the palace courtyard. Every day, the Royal Guards perform their Changing of the Guard ceremony at the palace in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town), and we saw this ceremony last summer.
Watching the Changing of the Guards is always exciting, but this one was special for a couple of reasons. First, we were incredibly close to them, separated only by a rope hung between a couple of posts. And second, the guards were so enthusiastic about their roles. Being a palace guard in Stockholm isn’t a permanent job, but a temporary one that young members of various branches of the military are called to for a few weeks. Every member of the guard seemed intent on making the most of his or her time at the palace, serving with the eagerness of the young and the precision of the well-trained.
We got to the courtyard early that day, to ensure a front row position. As the hour approached, we heard faint strains of the military band as it wound its way through Gamla Stan, and finally we saw them as they turned the corner into the palace courtyard. The brilliant blue uniforms were dazzling, and the helmets gleamed with a dazzling polish. The guards strode in time to a stirring Scandinavian march. And on a sunny day in Stockholm, we felt honoured to watch the Changing of the Guard.
I love Changing of the Guard ceremonies! They look so majestic in their impressive blue uniforms.
nice pictures Beth! Happy Easter to you!
Beth, You captured the event beautifully. The uniforms are such a vibrant blue. Happy Easter! Bonnie
Such a neat tradition that continues to delight. Love the blue!
Love their bright blue uniforms. What a sight to see. When I was a child I did get to see the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery. It really made an impression on me.
Hi, Beth! I'm so glad I'm back in touch with your blog. My previous computer died because of a glitch in the motherboard that the Geek Squad kept saying they'd repaired. I didn't know if I'd pursued this more they would have had to give me a new replacement. *sighs for live and learn* Anyway, I couldn't match your name with your blog and, so, I'm finally here. Your travels are treasures. We saw the changing of the guard at the palace in Stockholm. Fabulous! We also stayed at the Sheraton with points and only had to pay local taxes, about $200.00.
Thank you for another wonderful post. I just enjoyed another little vacation.
My family is Swedish. I've always wanted to go here. Thanks for the look into the country.
Very cool! Palaces are very interesting places – and the guards and uniforms can transport us to different worlds!
Great photos!
That looks so awesome. They seem so intense… 🙂
Those helmets are SO badass!
Every Thursday, you give me "itchy feet" and I want to see what you saw. It seems to be such a different experience than the one at Buckingham Palace. Happy Easter, Beth.
Wonderful! I love castles and palaces, so I'm looking forward to the rest of your posts this month.
I love a stately castle as well and this looks like total fun to watch. I absolutely love the photos as well.
Beautiful photos! I'm a sucker for uniforms. 🙂
I can't wait to see the rest of April's posts!
Hello Beth, I am so glad you stopped by my website so I could find yours. I have been lost in the sea of fantastic recipes, travel excursions and learning about your books. I am looking forward to keeping in touch. Take care, BAM
Now I'm curious to know what a Scandanavian march looks like? The blue uniforms are so striking. This must have been spectacular to watch! BTW, I love the name of your blog!
I have fond memories of watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace when I was a child. It is so very impressive.
I loved Stockholm! Looks like you had lovely weather, too 🙂
I hope to see this sight one day. I've only seen the guards at Buckingham Palace long ago. I'd love to visit Stockholm.
What a fun memory, Beth! I love their bright blue uniforms against the palace backdrop…beautiful!
Very impressive Beth. Hope you and your family are having a wonderful Easter weekend.
Rita