What Does It Cost To Change The Guard?

Among the really neat touristy things to do in London, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is one of them. I can't imagine how much it must cost the taxpayers in the UK to have so many people (police, sanitation, the actual guards, etc.) to do this approximately one hour daily ceremony, but it is a well run show. This of course begs the obvious question which I pondered over a Steak and Ale pie and a pint, if they had a choice, would the people in the UK really vote to keep paying for the royal family and all it's trappings? Given the tough economy would these people really want to shell out their hard earned money to keep the monarchy afloat? Outside of drawing in silly tourists like me, does it really pay back? After all, there were no concession stands or souvenir stands at this event.

So, I asked a few locals, seems they don't love the royal family as much as the media portrays here in the colonies. I couldn't find too many people (at least those who weren't in some way employed by the whole royalty program) who felt it was a a good use of their money. Of course, these are people who are paying the expenses for their politicians to have second homes, gardeners and the appropriate amount of porn for their spouses. Wow, just when you thought we lived in a screwed up place....

If you haven't been watching the news, the expenses scandal is quite a story in Europe. It was easy to follow as London has more newpapers than any other city I have ever been in (including NY). They have morning editions, evening editions and always seem to have another paper waiting to be sold and read. Luckily for me they had a good news-worthy story to read as I could not handle another 3 page article on a soccer game that ended in a 1 -0 score. They only scored one goal, why in the world do you need three pages to cover one goal?

Well, good to know we aren't alone when it comes to corrupt politicians and an overblown media. Anyway, back the festivities, if you can't get there to see it, here are some pictures from our visit to Buckingham Palace. What do you think it costs?