Our final day, February 12, started at the Wellington Barracks, where we watched the Guards prepare for the Changing of the Guard. Seeing them up close before the ceremony gave us a better appreciation of their precision and discipline. The different uniforms represented separate regiments — each with its own proud history. Many of these regiments, including the Coldstream Guards and Grenadier Guards, fought alongside American forces in World War II and continue to serve together in NATO missions today.

Afterward, we made our way to Buckingham Palace, returning later in the day once the crowds thinned to admire the gates and the Queen Victoria Memorial in peace. From there, we spent several hours at the British Museum, which is so large that it’s impossible to see it all in one visit. We managed highlights like the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies. During WWII, many artifacts here were secretly evacuated to the countryside for safekeeping — another quiet connection to the Allied war effort.

In the afternoon, we headed to the Tower of London, meeting the Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters. The nickname likely came from the generous beef rations they once received while serving the crown. Our guide mixed history with humor, explaining how the Tower served as a royal residence, a prison, and even a zoo over the centuries.

The ravens, famously tied to the legend that if they ever leave the Tower the kingdom will fall, were kept in cages due to a bird illness during our visit — something rarely seen. We toured the Crown Jewels, learning how some regalia had been hidden away during wartime for protection.

As the day ended, we hailed a black cab back through London’s glowing streets. Passing the Thames, we reflected on how much ground we’d covered — from Benjamin Franklin’s London to World War II landmarks, from kings and queens to wizards and modern icons.

For our first trip, it was everything we hoped for — a city where history, imagination, and the U.S.–U.K. connection meet at every turn. 🇬🇧🇺🇸