Wave to the Queen!
Buckingham is more of an eyesore than a palace. Although one does have to see it, if one is in London, one does not have to enjoy it.
The changing of the guards can be fun to watch, if you don't mind waiting around in throngs of people for awhile. More enchanting than the palace are the parks that surround it. Hyde Park is truly beautiful with rows and rows of daffodils, which are bright and sunny. On a warm day, Hyde Park is the perfect place to spread out a picnic or read a book. On a winter day, grab a cappuccino and stroll through.
While in London, you have to see the palace, but only so you can tell people when they ask, "Yes, we went to Buckingham Palace."