5/3 Banqueting Hall & Kensington Palace

I started out a lot less tired today, but had a full day planned.  I have seen Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey in previous trips to London, so I am trying to use my limited time to see some of the stuff I have never seen. 

Banqueting House

Today was Banqueting House.  This is the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall, which burned in 1698.  The Palace of Whitehall was appropriated by Henry XIII from Cardinal Wolsey, but substantially enlarged by Henery XIII and later kings.  Here is some history that explains it all better than I can:  https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/history-and-stories/the-whitehall-fire-of-1698/#gs.aikBCcI.  

There were several Banquet Houses built of this site, but this one was built in 1622.  Here is some history:  https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/history-and-stories/the-story-of-banqueting-house/#gs.ToW7DV8https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/history-and-stories/the-story-of-banqueting-house/#gs.ToW7DV8

One interesting fact is that Charles I was executed at Banquet House.

The ceiling was painted by Reubens.

They have mirrors set up to make viewing the ceiling easier, so this photo was taken through a mirror.  Also notice the beanbag chairs in the photo above so you can sit and recline to see the ceiling better.

 Many masques and balls were held in this room, so of course the king needed a place to sit, although this one is obviously a reproduction.

 This section of the ceiling trim shows the original dark color before it was painted white during a restoration.

 You used to be able to walk down Downing Street to #10 where the prime minister lives, but not anymore.  Now it is very well guarded by police.

Kensington Palace 

.

Many of the modern royals have lived or currently live in Kensington Palace.  Princess Margaret lived here, as did Princess Diana and her children.  Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, and a slew of others  live here.  Princess Eugenie is moving in soon.  See this article for details:  https://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/property-news/from-princess-eugenie-to-prince-george-why-kensington-palace-is-the-posh-model-for-urban-housing-a117356.html  

However, besides the royal "commune," there is another historical area which is open to the public.  This is the part where Princess Victoria grew up before she became queen and also where George II and Queen Caroline lived a century before.   

While I really came here for the history, there was a display of Diana's dresses.  

What I completely missed when I was here and even when I posted this is that the building to the left, behind the statue of King William III is Apartment 1a, which is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live!!  If you notice, there is a wrought iron fence and then brick wall between the buildings, and enclosing a private garden!

I enjoyed the displays of diamond tiaras!  This  one belonged to Queen VIctoria's daughter, Princess Louise. Note that she is wearing one tiara on her head and another as a necklace,  Talk about being over-dressed!

Here is one belonging to Queen VIctoria.

And another one owned by Princess Victoria. 

This the room where Victoria learned that her uncle had died and that she was Queen.  It is also where she held her first cabinet meeting.  It is the opening room to the cluster of rooms where she lived with her mother until this day.  When she found out she was Queen, she asked that her things be packed, and she immediately

 

Victoria was very tiny--only 4'11" tall with a 15' waist as a young Queen.  This is one of her dresses. 

And this was her desk.

Young Victoria

Old Victoria

The next slides come from the part of the palace occupied by King George II, a century earlier than Victoria. 

Miniatures of the children of King George II and Queen Caroline. 

 

This is interesting!

 There is a very small clock in this huge clock tower.

Queen Caroline.  

Queen Caroline's bedroom.

I like this photo because it showed how the corridor went alongside one wall, and you can see all the way down.  Not much privacy, I think.

The queen's dining room. 

Princess Victoria had this same view of the gardens and Kensington Park.  Now it is a public park and very busy on this first sunny day in a week.

Looking up at Victoria's rooms on the second floor and King George and Queen Caroline's rooms on the third floor.

This statue of Queen Victoria was designed by her daughter, Princess Louise.

Photos of Kensington Park, headed out.  This is right in the middle of London, but was quiet because of the trees and because it is so large. 

Kinky Boots

This was my fourth musical in four days, and I really enjoyed it.  It was hard to compare it to historical, hip-hop Hamilton and funny Book of Mormon, but it was really fun and "feel good."  Excellent dancing and music!  I would highly recommend this one if you ever get a chance to see it. 

Whew!  It has been a very long day.