Royal Style

A full day so am now feeling shattered which is worrying as we only had one event planned for today, more tomorrow!

We had a 12.00pm time slot for entry into Kensington Palace.

We started the day with a walk along the Embankment. Lots of works going on as they are building a ‘Super sewer’ which includes a 25km tunnel under the Thames.  (The Embankment is there to provide the cities sewers so not such a surprise)
We then took the tube to Hyde Park corner and had a coffee sitting outside at the Lodge, as the sun had appeared, before walking along the Serpentine and across to Kensington Gardens.
We were a bit early so sat in the sun in a pavilion where we noticed the new Diana memorial statue. You can walk around the garden but not go in. Lovely garden, still unsure about the statue.

Inside the tour started with Victoria’s apartments with stories and items from her childhood and some amazing jewels on display. Back in time to the rooms of King George 11 and Queen Caroline and finally further back still to William 111 and Mary. All very well done.
Outside in the Orangery was the Royal Style in the Making exhibition. On display were the work of 5 royal designers. I love seeing historic costumes so just up my street. I have to say the wedding dress was the highlight whether or not you liked it at the time, the detail was stunning and the dimensions of the waist and front to back were tiny. There were two items of the Queen Mother’s. A toile of her coronation dress and an evening dress by Norman Hartnell. They too were absolutely tiny. A most enjoyable visit.

A cuppa in the cafe then the tube down to Covent Garden. Chris wanted to look at some shoes. He has very small feet so has difficulty getting a good fit. Ordering on line isn’t often successful. He tried on ones he liked and they put thinner insoles in for him which made all the difference. So that’s his Christmas present sorted. 
Covent Garden was looking very Christmassy. A lovely string quartet playing as usual but time to get back.
We decided to eat across the road tonight. Not at all busy last night but we were lucky to get a table tonight, it seemed everyone was out for Christmas meals. There were crackers and presents and several Santas! There were lots of Santas going past outside too, all with numbers on their backs though they weren’t running.
Well it is December 1st! The tower with the Saltire now as a Christmas tree on it and snow falling!