Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo 2008

On Friday night we three walked down Castle Hill in the warm evening light into the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The Royal Tattoo was being held in conjunction with the Royal Windsor Horse Show so the park was alive with shops and restaurants and displays of everything horse and military related. James was looking forward to the "Soldier's Concert" and was delighted to be able to climb up on a real tank with the aid of Dad and some soldiers. After a refreshing champagne and with the floodlit castle as a backdrop we made our way to our seats one row back from the front. We had a terrific view right up close to the action and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the soldiers, bagpipes, cavalry, tanks, bands and two international demonstrations from Malaysia and Russia. My favourite were the Kings Troop as they galloped about in complicated formations hauling gun carriages. Although pre-warned, we all jumped when the cannons were fired! Prince Edward took the salute on this occasion. The finale was marked by fireworks by which time James was tired out. We walked back up the hill to home and he was in bed soon after.

As I write this the guards are marching out of the barracks and judging by the unfamiliar music I think it must be the Malaysians!