Here's my favourite royal residence
As cliché as it may sound, it's a no-brainer for Ainhoa...
Hi everyone,
It's Ainhoa here. If you haven't read Millie's post from yesterday about why the royals should pay for their own home renovations, I urge you to do so. It's a brilliant read and she puts forward a compelling argument.
There was also the chance for paid subscribers to vote for their favourite royal residence and we can now reveal that Windsor Castle was the firm favourite among our club members, followed by Scotland's Balmoral and then Buckingham Palace.
I have to say, as cliché as it may sound, my favourite residence is actually Buckingham Palace. Probably because it's the only one I've been lucky enough to visit a handful of times!
Windsor does bring back fond memories of covering a certain royal wedding there in 2018 and reporting live from outside the castle, and I'm sure if I were ever invited to Balmoral it would become a strong contender (it sounds so idyllic and most like a proper "home").
But alas, Buckingham Palace is the royal residence I am most familiar with and therefore my current favourite. Not only is it an iconic British institution and one of London's top attractions, but the palace – which has a whopping 775 rooms and the largest private garden in the capital – has seen countless historic moments.
Momentous events that have involved members of the public, like royal weddings, post-coronation celebrations, the late Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee festivities, and many a Trooping the Colour, but also more intimate and exclusive events like garden parties, state banquets, and royal investitures.
(You can watch a video of what it's like to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace here – and see the moment our HELLO! colleagues met King Charles himself).
Buckingham Palace's State Rooms are open to visitors every summer, so if you get the chance, I'd recommend going. I've been a couple of times for various past exhibitions, including a memorable trip to see The Prince & Patron in 2018. King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, handpicked his favourite pieces of art from The Royal Collection to go on display, as well as works created by young artists supported by some of his charities.
But alongside these pieces of art were family photos. I remember seeing this very sweet intergenerational photo of Charles, William, and a baby George, as well as a portrait from George's christening.
As mentioned, visitors to the palace can also explore the State Rooms, and I remember one employee showing us a secret passage behind a fake bookcase. Literally, the stuff of fiction!
The gardens outside were also beautiful to wander around, but not before stopping at the palace café for a slice of cake and a takeaway Buckingham Palace-branded coffee. I must admit, I also fell for the gift shop on the way out and bought a stuffed corgi toy for my niece. That's £20 I'll never see again.
I'd love to hear about your favourite royal residences and if you've been lucky enough to visit any!
Leave a comment below.
Further reading
Royal holiday habits: from Queen Victoria to the present day
Although in my experience Buckingham Palace was looking rather weary in terms of worn carpets and decor, this palace is really steeped in history. Magnificent mahogany boxed WCs and a great number of framed paintings by significant artists, the gardens were beautiful too. Well worth the visit although Windsor Castle is still my favourite.
I think Queen Elizabeth got it right about the monarchy: it has to remain mysterious and somewhat aloof to retain its position politically, as well as "seen to be believed." Look at some of the Scandinavian monarchies. They have lost much of their power (and their interest to the public) by being too ordinary. In fact, much of Britain's remaining power and position in the world is due to the longevity of its monarchial system, which does wield a subtle, if symbolic power. That's what's so fascinating about the British Monarchy to us, in the US, anyway. Buckingham Palace is above all a symbol of the British monarchy around the world and the events that take place there are so extraordinary. It's a really impressive PALACE. That said, do I think the royals must actually live there? No. Let them have their private domestic places and enjoy Highgrove, Clarence House, Anmer Hall, Forest Lodge, and certainly Balmoral. They do deserve a real life behind all the symbolism. PS I have spent a considerable time in Scotland, which I love, and although I have never been there, my favorite palace is Balmoral--private and symbolic!