Life and shopping at the Palace

Our visit to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms was overwhelming. There are many state rooms – 19, I think – they’re big, they’re elegant, they’re filled with paintings and sculpture and furniture that would knock your eye out.

I enjoyed walking around, looking at everything, imagining Her Majesty coming in to check that everything is ship-shape when company is expected. I can picture her swiping her index finger along the banister of the grand staircase to make sure no one missed a spot when they were doing the dusting.

We did walk up this very staircase on our tour. We didn’t take this photo as photos are not allowed in the state rooms.

We saw the Throne Room, the room where HM hands out honours, the ball room, the state dining room and countless reception rooms of various sizes and shapes. They’ve done a nice job of setting up displays to give their guests an idea of what happens in each room.

We learned how the kitchen functions when a major state dinner is being prepared, how the tables are set, how the guests are seated. I’m pretty sure it all runs like clockwork.

There was also a display from the Queen’s dressmaker and milliner, showing a recent dress, coat and hat creation – that I remembered seeing her in!

I kept thinking how Mum would have loved these displays.

If we weren’t allowed to take photos in the state rooms, clearly someone was allowed. If you’re planning a visit and want a preview of what you’ll see, just do an image search for Buckingham Palace State Rooms and you can be overwhelmed too.

I can’t leave Buckingham Palace without mentioning the gift shops. There are several – as there are everywhere these days. Gift shops in the palaces, in the museums, in the Tower of London, in the galleries – no shortage of places to begin your Christmas shopping. (Please note those crown ornaments.)

The Palace may be elegant and tasteful but the gift shops are no less tacky than anywhere else. I’m afraid we chuckled with a sense of superiority as we looked over some of the very strange souvenirs but we happily bought some embossed tea towels for Cousin Dale, HM’s biggest fan, and we resisted all crowns and orbs and sceptres.