I was so excited that I was able to tour Buckingham Palace today! Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures inside the palace, so I just have to keep those memories in my mind, and look them up on google, just in case I forget! It was amazing to go inside something so majestic, grand, and something with so much history. Each state room that I entered was ENORMOUS, much larger than it looks on T.V. I got to see where the famous wedding pictures were taken; both of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, and of course... Prince William and Kate Middleton. We went into the ballrooms where most of the events are held, the portrait room, where Will and Kate had their reception dinner. I saw the entrance where Kate and Will first entered the Palace from their carriage after their wedding ceremony. It was pretty cool, and the included audio guide was very informative and much appreciated! Since it is the Diamond Jubilee year, I was also able to see a huge Diamond gallery of the diamonds that the Queen regularly wears. They were amazing and absolutely beautiful! Most of the diamonds date back so far in history and were handed down from generation to generation. After the tour was finished, we exited through the Queen's garden. It was very green and spacious, however, there were not any flowers in bloom, that surprised me.
At the back of Buckingham Palace where you exit
In front of the gardens
The entire back of the Palace
Some more views of the gardens
After leaving the gardens, I stopped at a cafe for some afternoon tea. They always do their tea with some type of cake... so of course, I had some as well! Carrot cake.. yum!
After my afternoon tea, I just decided to walk around. Here are some pictures from my stroll.
The front of Buckingham Palace
The famous balcony where Will and Kate kissed!
A whole view of Buckingham Palace
When we first arrived in London, these gardens were empty. They have been working hard to make London beautiful for the Olympics that are a few weeks away!
On my stroll, I stumbled upon the Ritz hotel. It is famous for its Afternoon Tea, however, it is 65 pounds a person... I don't think that will be happening!
Trafalgar Square with the London Eye in the background
I had to take a 'hold out the arm' picture!
Trafalgar Square with Big Ben in the background
So fun that you got to go inside Buckingham Palace! Wish we had been there with you. Thinking about you today as we watched Wimbleton with Will and Kate! I guess you missed her text. She was leaving your ticket at will-call! Celebrating America's Independence tonight missing you and Tom!
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