Afternoon at the Palace

Monday was my big day at Buckingham Palace to celebrate 60 years of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. But first I went for a wee wander down Clink Street and to Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral - I love this part of London. I took the underground to Green Park in plenty of time, and strolled through the park to Buckingham Palace. As I approached the gates, I could easily spot other guests for the garden party among the throngs of more casually clad tourists. Most were dressed like wedding guests and some were wearing hats. I had decided to wear a trusty Marks and Spencer summer dress and cardigan and I felt quite smart enough. I was also wearing nice but very low heeled sandals - I'm not good with heels at the best of times and I knew that there would be a lot of standing about. 

It was great fun presenting my invitation at the gate and walking round the side of the palace to the gardens. I was in no hurry to join my group (it was all very well organised with numbered balloons to show you where to gather) so I went for a walk around the gardens and down to the lake. It was really beautiful in the sunshine. 

I also availed myself of a cup of tea and some shortbread and consumed these as I listened to the brass band playing cheerful tunes. I noticed a group of people standing on the steps of the palace for a photo call so I drifted over and was able to spot a plethora of celebrities who had been drafted in to present the awards. Among others I identified Ainsley Harriott (the chef), Rob Brydon (the comedian), Michelle Mone (the bra tycoon), Nick Hewer (the old male sidekick out of The Apprentice) and my own personal favourite Larry Lamb (he was the dad in Gavin & Stacey.) Apparently Ronan Keating was there but I didn't see him. Although the event was not about celebrities, I felt that they added to the fun.

When I turned up at my group I soon got chatting to various other teachers from Scottish schools, who were a friendly bunch. The three royals that were doing the rounds of the groups were Prince Philip, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie. Our group got Prince Philip which pleased me, and similarly to the Holyrood ceremonies in Edinburgh, he turned up, chatted a bit, and moved on. I then decided that it was time to leave and took a surreptitious photo (the instructions I had received warned that cameras / phones were not allowed and that the police would make you leave if you tried to take a photo).  I then enjoyed emerging from the palace gates to where the tourists were all looking through the gates - I tried to look like a celebrity but I think that my sensible sandals gave me away.