A Great Day Out at Kensington Palace

 

A Proper Good Afternoon to You

The last time I was here was a crashing disappointment. Someone thought it would be fun to remove all the history and replace it with art installations with cryptic royal themes. I thought the results were a complete waste of time and money, and I was not alone in my opinion! The exhibit was roundly and universally condemned--even by the usually mild mannered Rick Steves.

Today's visit could not have been more different. I am feeling happy and satisfied on my last full day in London. A couple of days ago I booked a scheduled ticket on line, which is something I recommend. I had an easy trip on the Central Line from Holborn to Queensway and then a lovely stroll in Kensington Gardens to the Palace.

Nice leafy and green. Also I sneaked a peak into a private garden near the palace that featured a statue of the late Princess Diana of Wales and her sons. It's hard to see, but it's there.

I got there early, but there was already a queue for us 10:00 entrants. We showed our tickets and went through security, and then it was time for some fun history.  Kensington was chosen and developed as a royal residence by William III and Mary II with the help of Sir Christopher Wren. The palace was also where young Princess Victoria grew up under the heavy hand of her mother, the Duchess of Kent.  Most recently Diana, Princess of Wales and her sons had apartments in the palace.

I began with the Queen's State Apartments. The Queens in question are Mary II and Caroline, the Consort of George II.  Here is their audience chamber.

My favorite thing to visit is period rooms, and I had them in abundance and in various styles. YUM!

I also enjoyed the King's State Apartments. Then I went to look at the display of historic costume where I was exceedingly impressed. Here are some garments belonging to Queen Alexandra, (Long suffering) Consort of Edward VII.

After that I attended an excellent exhibition on Victoria's childhood with some of her clothes and toys and information on how she was groomed as heir to the throne. Charlotte, Princess of Wales, daughter of George IV died in childbirth prompting the King's many brothers to try to sire an heir. Edward, Duke of Kent, had the brains to marry a German Princess of proven fertility. Edward was her second husband and Victoria had an older half brother and sister.  William IV's Queen Adelaide could not carry a child to term, so Victoria was it. She became Queen at age eighteen, dumped her controlling mother, and married her "beautiful" cousin Albert as soon as she could manage. She enjoyed a long, successful reign but left Kensington for Windsor and other residences in Scotland and the Isle of Wight.

I made my way home feeling very fulfilled. For dinner I am having the left over cheese I got from Neal's Yard Dairy. Very tasty indeed.  I will detail my reflections on London and my trip home tomorrow.

Cheerio