Confessions of a Royal Watcher

I posted yesterday about our experience at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

I still can't believe we got pictures of the Royals.  

On Monday, we stayed in and watched the Diamond Jubilee Concert on TV.

I'm so glad the skies cleared on that day.  It must have been amazing to be there.

I loved Prince Charles referring to the Queen as "Mummy."  Too cute!

And her smile is just precious.  

On Tuesday, a Royal Procession and a Balcony Appearance were scheduled.

I was still flying high since I'd seen the Queen on Sunday.

(Don't argue with me.  Just smile and nod.)  

So, we decided that we just wanted to get out

and be a part of the atmosphere for the last day of celebrations.

If there was a sighting, then great.  But, if not, that was okay too.

This time we made sure to bring Sugar Bear along for the ride.  

We started with a quick visit to Selfridges Department Store and Hamleys Toy Shop.  

Hamleys is a massive toy store that has been around for over 250 years.

Check out the Queen Elizabeth II image in the window.  It's all LEGOS!

 Another Royal sighting!!  All LEGOS!  Pretty cool, huh? 

I really must work on my royal wave.  Frantic hummingbird hand is so not proper form.

We popped in to a Pub to escape the rain and have a Gin & Tonic in honor of Her Majesty.

You thought I was joking about the tiaras didn't you?

Then we started to make our way towards the palace along every other person in London.

The police and event staff were doing such a great job of managing the crowds.

But, this meant that the closest we could get was to Trafalgar Square.

 Which was actually fine because there was a big screen so we could see the balcony appearance.

 52 days until the Olympics start!! 

And the flyovers were right over our heads.  

 WWII era Dakota flanked by King Air aircrafts

 

 WWII era Lancaster Bomber flanked by Spitfires and Hurricanes

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows

Everything ended with a gun salute, a rousing rendition of "God Save the Queen" and confetti cannons.

Another exciting, wonderful Diamond Jubilee experience!

I've been thinking a lot about why I'm so intrigued by British Royalty.

There's been  a lot of commentary lately about Americans and their love of everything British.  

It usually includes some good-natured ribbing after that whole Revolution thing. 

For me, it ties right in to my love of history.  From a little girl, I've always loved a good story.

Historical novels just pull me right in to an exciting and romantic world of damsels and knights of the realm.  

And the British monarchy is living history, isn't it?   

Queen Elizabeth II can trace her lineage back to King Alfred the Great who ruled in the 7th Century. 

And who can resist a good love story?  William and Kate fit that niche quite nicely.

And sadly, tragedy always plays a part in a good story.

I remember crying as I watched the wedding of Charles and Diana

and then again, as I watched her funeral procession.

And, as I've learned more about Queen Elizabeth II,

I've really come to respect and admire her as a woman.

 I've flitted through life a bit, landing here and there but never really settling in.

And here is a woman who made a commitment at the young age of 26

and has spent the last 60 years faithfully fulfilling that commitment.

I deeply admire her steadfast nature and inherent loyalty.

So, I will gladly own up to being a proud American with a soft spot for the British Royalty.

What about you?  What draws you in?

Selena

xoxo