a royal day out...

On saturday I attended Buckingham Palace! Not at the Queen's invitation, mind - I think I paid an entry fee that would keep her corgi's fed for a year...

The ticket gave me entry to the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and 19 State Rooms. The gallery was first and it had an exhibition of Italian art. I didn't spend long there (art isn't really my thing) - but it was interesting to see. The mews were amazing, they had 5 carriages on show - one being the Australian coach. Sorry Sharon, I would have taken a better picture of the explanation if I had realised it was also about Queen Margrethe of Denmark!! On display was one of the Queen's 5 Rolls Royces - it has a taller roof (so it's easier to get in and out of), and none of them have number plates, they're just known as RR no.1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Getting into the State rooms was like going through Heathrow security and took forever - but it was well worth it! The state rooms are where all the public functions are held - and 'oppulent' would be the best way to describe them. The rooms are colour-themed - crimson, pale blue, green, white etc. The Grand Hall and Grand staircase were spectacular, and the State Dinning room was incredible. They don't use tablecloths and the long table is set very elaborately - knives and forks are set to precise measurements using a ruler! The menu is always in French (a tradition for fine dining), and the Queen checks everything!

I didn't get to see inside the Queen's apartments - shame, cos I wanted to see what a real queen sized bed looks like..! I wasn't able to take photo's in the State rooms unfortunately..

But, I am a complete sucker for gift shops, and found myself purchasing the Official Guide, and a small domed pink Faberge clock (couldn't help myself...).