Off to See the Queen

It seems like the whole world has a fascination with our Royal Family. Many countries don’t have a monarchy, and there are plenty of people who regard the concept as redundant. However, the recent wedding between Prince William and Katherine Middleton showed that celebration of the royals is alive and kicking across the globe! Merchandise was flying off the shelves, from mugs, plates and tea towels to t-shirts, hats and masks. Bunting seemed to be strung from Lands’ End to John O’ Groats, and street parties emerged throughout London and the rest of the UK. London City taxis found themselves twiddling their thumbs that day, as everyone was busy with their festivities.

Anyway, let’s get to the point. For those of you who are interested in the Royal Family, now is your chance to get involved and see the grandeur for yourself. July 23 will see the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace; until October 3, visitors can go inside the palace and take a tour of the treasures within. To keep the palace safe, you will be behind perspex, but it’s the closest view of royal life that you’re ever likely to see. Amongst the valuables inside, you’ll see original prints by Rembrant and Vermeer, as well as Rubens. The designer dress in flowing lace that the Duchess of Cambridge wore for her wedding is on display, as well as the 1936 tiara by Cartier. That was her ‘something borrowed’, lent to Katherine by the Queen herself!

Even if you’re not particularly a fan of the monarchy, seeing Buckingham Palace is something that every Londoner should do at least once in their lives; it’s grand, impressive and has so much history that it has become one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Book a Westminster minicab to find out for yourself.