Thursday, July 10, 2025

Day 3 London - Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace

Day 3 - June 15 was yet another warm- I mean hot - day.  There was no need to get up early, as my timed entry for "Edwardians: Age of Elegance" at Buckingham Palace was not until 11 a.m.  I asked my host for breakfast recommendations.  One of the places suggested was Pedro's on Kentish Town Road.

The breakfast was delicious and the cappuccino was perfect.

Edwardians: Age of Elegance is superb.  It runs through November 23, 2025.

https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/the-edwardians-age-of-elegance/the-kings-gallery-buckingham-palace


So lovely to see the Tuxen painting in person.  https://www.rct.uk/collection/400500/the-family-of-queen-victoria-in-1887














Queen Mary when Duchess of York.


Love seeing an exhibition where one of the Gleichens is mentioned.







































































Queen Alexandra's Coronaton gown 1902










Princess Alice   by Philip de Laszlo



Queen Alexandra




Duchess of Connaight (John Singer Sargent)



Queen Mary







The main portrait is in the National Gallery of Art







Crown used in the Prince of Wales' investiture (1911)







What a privilege to see Alexandra's Coronation robe







 After leaving the exhibit, I got into a cab for the short ride to Kensington Palace.  Many thanks to my friend Claire, who works at KP.  She told me about the few new items on exhibit in the Queen Victoria rooms.  



Cupola room where Victoria was baptized.




Fife tiara




Portrait of Victoria's half-sister, Princess Feodora of Leiningen









William IV


the new portraits of Victoria's half-siblings





The room where it happened on May 24, 1819

Victoria's parents


It was lovely to spend time with Claire.  I went downstairs to see the Dress Codes exhibit, which featured a selection of royal clothes from Queen Alexandra, King Edward VIII, Princesses Elizabeth & Margaret














Hon. Ursula Lawley's wedding dress.  In 1927, she married 
                                    George Gibbs, 1st Baron Wraxall.  She was a friend and Maid of Honour to                                             Queen Mary





Once worn by Queen Alexandra

one of queen victoria's gowns




Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's dresses














The exhibition's final room features a video of the catwalk, showcasing the students' designs.  The catwalk was produced by my Airbnb host.  She was delighted when I told her I went to see the exhibit.

After having tea and a slice of Victoria Sponge Cake, I headed outside to see the gardens.


Sunken Gardens



















The statue of Queen Victoria sculpted by her daughter, Princess Louise






Round Pond


A goose interested in removing plastic from the pond









Back to Camden Town.  I was in desperate need of a beer... as in Camden Ale.



I exited the Underground on the Camden High Street side, which leads to Camden Market and one of the bridges over the locks.


A selection of British musical groups are honored on the High Street.






Camden Pale ale at Camden Market





























Locks at Camden Locks (the canal)


 Huge Shake Shack... I walked past it ..  I wanted a local place to eat/








Wolfie - my host's cat!!


I love exploring different neighborhoods, trying out various restaurants, and visiting local sites, all while enjoying a good local beer.    


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