Our Travels: London -Tuesday 4th September, 2018

We left the apartment just before 9am, just in case the traffic was bad, as we had a tour of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms booked, which was a timed entry. Of course the traffic was ok, so we were there an hour early !!! It was quite a cool morning, thankfully I took my jacket - John not so !!!

Unfortunately we were not permitted to take photos, so I have included what I can from the Souvenir Guide to give an indication of the grandeur

We entered at Gate C, which is the Ambassadors Entrance, collected our multi media devices and then made our way to the quadrangle where the carriages arrive at the Grand Entrance and Grand Hall.

We then walked up the Grand Staircase, which very ornate with a bronze balustrade.

We continued on through many different State Rooms. The Green Drawing Room,

then into the Throne Room, with its amazing chandeliers, which were originally lit by over 200 candles. Off to the right hand side was Queen Victoria's throne. All the thrones/chairs are obviously original as they are quite worn in places.

Another of the Staterooms is the Picture Gallery, which puts many of the world's galleries to shame.

Onto the Silk Tapestry Room and then the East Gallery, which is the principal Victorian addition to the Palace.
Then to the Supper Ballroom, which was also build for Queen Victoria, which holds several hundred people

Then the Ballroom !!! WOW, an enormous room, first used is 1856. It has a musicians gallery and an amazing organ which was made in 1817 originally for the Brighton Pavilion. The Ballroom is used for Investiture Ceremonies, Head of State Banquets for around 160 guests. It is truly an amazing room.

The State Dining Room,

The Blue Drawing, which was the Ballroom before the additions in 1855-6. The music room, where most of the Royal Christenings are held.

The White Drawing Room, has a large fireplace at one end of the room, which is flanked by 2 full length mirrors. The one on the left hand side, is actually a door, which allows discreet entry from the Private rooms beyond. This is the room that quests are presented to the Queen during receptions throughout the year.

The Music Room

The Ministers' Staircase, gives alternative access to the state and private rooms. At the bottom of the staircase is a statue of Mars and Venus, which is carved from a single piece of marble.

Next is the Marble Hall, which displays sculpture. Then into the Bow Room, which was intended as a library, but is now used on a daily basis as a waiting room for those being received in a private audience (unfortunately not us). It can also be used as a dining room for visiting Heads of State on the first day of their visit. This room is also used by the Royal Family for Christmas gatherings and special occasions such us the Queen Mothers 100th Birthday celebration. It also forms part of the route from the Grand Entrance to the garden for those that attend Gardens Parties.

On exiting the Palace itself, there is a Garden Cafe, where we had Hot Chocolate, scones and a Royal Passionfruit Tart.
We then walked along the garden path around the edge of part of the garden to the exit.
What an incredible experience.
Then to mad dash !!!!!! Our friends Kerrie and Ken, are also is the UK, and were passing through London today. They caught a train from Poole to Kings Cross Station on their way to Edinburgh. They were at the station for about 45 mins. So, we got straight into a taxi after Buckingham Palace and headed across town to Kings Cross station. Of course traffic was horrible !!! It took over 40 mins to get there, but after a few messages finally found each other :) It was so great to catch up, even if it was only for 1/2 hour and a the quickest cup of coffee ever !!!! Amazing, we live 6 hrs apart and catch up in London :))

After Kerrie and Ken departed, we caught the bus back to Trafalgar Square and then a Taxi to Kensington Palace, as we had a tour booked for 3.00pm. At one stage, we thought we would be a little late, but made it with 10 minutes to spare.

To be Continued .............
Kensington Palace is very different to what I expected. There is nothing ornate, or any grandeur about it. It really isn't what you expect a Palace to be. We understand why Queen Victoria decided to move to Buckingham House, later to become Buckingham Palace !!!

There are still flowers being left at the gate in remembrance of Princess Diana

The Stunning tiaras and jewels are in the Victoria Revealed Exhibition at Kensington Palace. The emerald and diamond set was made for Queen Victoria and was designed by Prince Albert.