And try to get there as early as possible - the seating for the guests is (or was in 1995!) "first come first served". None of the "Sirs at the front etc").
If you are taking 'rug rats' with you be warned that the military awards are (were) at the very beginning and after your 20 seconds of fame it can be a long old time for your guests watching person after person coming through on the conveyor belt. And you don't get to meet up with your guests until all the awards are done and dusted!
As regards transport back in '95 you could drive yourself to the palace and park within the gates. Not sure if that's still allowed - guess it might depend on your wheels!!!