The Queen and I, Part Deux
So getting back to Smitty's post, we visited Buckingham Palace for the first time. Yes, we actually got into the palace! There is a group of ex-pats that got a tour of the Queen's dresses (80 of which are on display for her 80th birthday year) and her private art collection. At least, a small segment of it.
But first, the dresses. The first thing that you notice is that the Queen is short. This is not much of a surprise, I guess, but you can't help but notice it. Also, the 70s were NOT a good decade for fashion. See here for details. The jewels on display were very impressive. I told Smitty he needs a few more freelance gigs!
Then there was the art collection. Well. HM The Queen has a Vermeer. And apparently more Cannolettos than room to put them in. Of particular note were a family portrait of the Queen's great grandmum, Queen Victoria, and a funky clock made for one of the King Georges. We met a very nice chap who was the finance director for the private collection, and he told us a funny story about how he got his job, and how even still he wanders the halls sometimes hoping for a glimpse of Liz. Oh, did I mention the free wine? The palace knows hospitality -- but only when the Windsors are out of town.
And as we were leaving, we were invited to pursue the royal gift shoppe. It was a bit cheesy, although I understand the Christmas ornaments (not yet available) are very desirable at the holidays. I believe Smitty saw the discount sign on a stack of books. The mini-crowns were still full price.
But first, the dresses. The first thing that you notice is that the Queen is short. This is not much of a surprise, I guess, but you can't help but notice it. Also, the 70s were NOT a good decade for fashion. See here for details. The jewels on display were very impressive. I told Smitty he needs a few more freelance gigs!
Then there was the art collection. Well. HM The Queen has a Vermeer. And apparently more Cannolettos than room to put them in. Of particular note were a family portrait of the Queen's great grandmum, Queen Victoria, and a funky clock made for one of the King Georges. We met a very nice chap who was the finance director for the private collection, and he told us a funny story about how he got his job, and how even still he wanders the halls sometimes hoping for a glimpse of Liz. Oh, did I mention the free wine? The palace knows hospitality -- but only when the Windsors are out of town.
And as we were leaving, we were invited to pursue the royal gift shoppe. It was a bit cheesy, although I understand the Christmas ornaments (not yet available) are very desirable at the holidays. I believe Smitty saw the discount sign on a stack of books. The mini-crowns were still full price.
posted by Mrs. Werbenmanjensen at 10:36 PM
3 Comments:
So, you didn't get a mini-crown? :) Sounds like a very fun trip to the palace!
Is Buckingham Palace now open year-round? My sister and I toured there in '96, but we just happened to be there during the very short period when they opened it to the public each year. Has that changed?
There's an eight-week opening each summer, during the time the Queen spends at Balmoral.
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