My visit to the palace

I may have lived in London almost 40 years but, until today, I’d never visited Buckingham Palace. This is partly because the state rooms have only been open to the public for about a decade and they are still only open for a few months a year. It’s partly because we always neglect places on our doorstep and some uncomfortableness about someone with my republican sentiments visiting the home of a hereditary monarch.
It took a good Slovak friend to get me to the palace, but I’m glad I went. Of course, I’ve visited any palaces around the world but what makes Buckingham Palace different is that it’s still very much a place in use where many people live and work. So many palaces have a dusty, anachronistic feel about them, but every room that one can visit in Buckingham Palace sparkles and shines and impresses. In particular, I had no idea that the art collection was so outstanding.
There’s a special exhibition on this summer focusing on the Queen’s many trips to Commonwealth countries and displaying dresses she wore and gifts she receives. Of course, there’s a propaganda sub-text here: look how busy the Queen is on our behalf and these gifts are as much yours as hers.


In the groungs of Buckingham Palace


 




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