Saturday Morning

OpeningofParliament1, originally uploaded by martinin.

So I got out of bed bright and early to enjoy the festivities a block away on the Royal Mile - here the national youth theatre group of Scotland is performing the story of Robert the Bruce

Royal Reception

OpeningofParliament2, originally uploaded by martinin.

after their performance concludes, the HRH the queenie comes out. (I had no idea the spot I'd picked.)

Good Morning

OpeningofParliament4, originally uploaded by martinin.

The she walks over and greets us, she came closer into the crowd but I didn't get the photo. She was literally 4 feet away.

The Queen takes a notion...

OpeningofParliament, originally uploaded by martinin.

then she just starts walking toward the royal mile (street)

The Duke

OpeningofParliament5, originally uploaded by martinin.

Then the Duke of Edinbvrgh came along...he seemed a bit backed up...

Beautiful Sounds

OpeningofParliament6, originally uploaded by martinin.

Then the WONDERFUL pipe bands began to march and play. This one is comprise dof what looked to be TWELVE year olds - playing PERFECTLY. It made my a bit mushy.

Procession...

OpeningofParliament7, originally uploaded by martinin.

and some of the flags and regalia - I didn't get many pictures of all the officers/parliamentarians and such...

Royal Guard

OpeningofParliament8, originally uploaded by martinin.

Then the royal guard of the Scottish Crown - (notice the dudes with the Machine guns equipped with daggers - they aint kidding around, aye!)

The Crown

OpeningofParliament9, originally uploaded by martinin.

And at last the crown jewels of Scotland: Older than those of the British throne...and most in Northern Europe.