Buckingham Palace is both the office and London residence of Queen Elizabeth, II, and is one of the few working royal palaces in the world. It has 775 rooms, which include 19 State Rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.
Every summer during August and September the 19 State Rooms at the palace are open to the public for eight weeks while the Queen is not in residence. My three visits have never been during that time, so I've had to be content with just an outside view of the palace.
We walked the short distance from the Queen's Gallery to Buckingham Palace, and as you can see, we weren't the only tourists wanting to see the palace!
~ Memorial Gates [War Memorial] at Constitution Hill on eastern side of Green Park ~
~ Wellington Arch at the western corner of Green Park ~
On the north side of Green Park we could see London's Hard Rock Café on the corner of Old Park Lane and Piccadilly Road.
I had Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Hotel in 2007, so I didn't make reservations this trip. I did, however, want Lori to see the beautiful interior, which they graciously allowed.
~ Inside the beautiful lobby ~
From the Ritz we made our way down Piccadilly Road to Fortnum & Mason where we did have Afternoon Tea - tomorrow's post.
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We walked the short distance from the Queen's Gallery to Buckingham Palace, and as you can see, we weren't the only tourists wanting to see the palace!
The famous balcony where royal appearances occur. The Union Jack was flying, which told us the Queen wasn't there. When she is, the Royal Standard flies. A typical day for the Queen begins at 7:30 a.m. with her breakfast tea tray. Afternoon Tea is usually served at 4:00 p.m. with scones and cake. This is a cherished moment of the day for her to relax and enjoy her corgis. Her favorite teas are Earl Grey and Darjeeling [or so I've read].
~ In the front of the palace [and facing the end of the Mall] is Queen Victoria's Memorial ~
It stands 82 feet high, and is the tallest memorial to a King or Queen in England.
~ Lori by the fountain/pool at the base of Queen Victoria's Memorial ~
The 'Canada Gate' in Green Park. The gate ties in with the scheme of Queen Victoria's Memorial, and Buckingham Palace gates.
~ Inlay in Queen's Walk - a path that runs along the eastern side of Green Park ~
~ Memorial Gates [War Memorial] at Constitution Hill on eastern side of Green Park ~
~ Wellington Arch at the western corner of Green Park ~
~ Royal Air Force Bomber Command Memorial [WWII] in Green Park ~
Directional sign in Green Park. Green Park is one of eight Royal Parks in central London, and is situated on 39.5 acres of land, explaining the need for directions for tourists.
It was a beautiful day, and many Londoners were enjoying Green Park - even two businessmen in suits having lunch sitting on the ground.
~ Lori enjoying a few minutes of relaxation in Green Park ~
On the north side of Green Park we could see London's Hard Rock Café on the corner of Old Park Lane and Piccadilly Road.
~ Green Park sign at the north Piccadilly entrance near the Ritz Hotel ~
150 Piccadilly Road and Arlington Street. [The main entrance is on Arlington Street.]
Wonder how many tourists take his picture every day? ;-)
~ Inside the beautiful lobby ~
From the Ritz we made our way down Piccadilly Road to Fortnum & Mason where we did have Afternoon Tea - tomorrow's post.
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Today I'm joining Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday where I shared our first four teas in London.
