We have had a relatively quiet Platinum Jubilee Day - watched the Trooping of the Colour and the Royal balcony scenes, and then later at dusk, took a walk on our high escarpment to see how many beacons we might see. We spotted two, one a few miles further along the escarpment, and the other across the water towards Wales. To experience all of the pomp and ceremony, is a must for many, at least once in a lifetime, whether you be a royalist or not. As a child I grew up not really knowing what happened at royal occasions in London, apart from seeing magazine and newspaper images. My parents purchased their first small TV set in 1953 which then enabled our family to watch the coronation live.
When our own two sons were young we lived a short train ride away from London so decided to give them and ourselves the experience of a royal occasion, which happened to be the Silver Jubilee. Right from the start it was an exciting trip as our local railway station decided to run their very first electric train on that day. At the station we were greeted by the Station Master dressed in a top-hat and tails who handed us each a silver train ticket. All the way to London people were waving flags as the train journeyed down the line which added to our anticipation and excitment. London was really crowded and we were disappointed to catch just a brief glimpse of the golden Coronation carriage as it arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral carrying the Queen.
The Queen and the Duke taking their very first "walkabout".
The Queen was dressed in a pretty pink outfit, and wore a hat decorated with 25 bells representing the years of her reign.
We had a picnic in Green Park and then made our way to The Mall where we enjoyed a ringside view of all the Royals on the balcony.
It would be hard to top those memories! Happy Jubilee!
ReplyDeleteHappy days to you too Debra.
DeleteAs a staunch republican, I find this fascination with the royal family, a tad puzzling, but that's the way it is!
ReplyDeleteI emphathise with you but it appears that generally people in the UK prefer a constitution based upon monarchy. I believe that being born into Royalty denies them their human rights. I am convinced that in years to come it will change.
DeleteHowever, 45 years ago, the trip we made to London was fascinating and memorable.
I agree
DeleteLovely to hear from you Susan and I hope all is well with you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting experience and memory.
DeleteI hope you took lots of great photos, so that you have great memories of the week, regardless to what happens to the monarchy in the future. I remember the Queen's 1954 trip to Melbourne very well, both a] the million people who stood along the road from the airport, all the way to Government House and b] 100,000 people at the MCG cheering the Queen's car as it went around. No TV back then, but the photos are still memorable.
ReplyDeleteI didn't take photos but I do recall the day clearly.
DeleteThat's definitely a day to remember for your family!
ReplyDeleteI must check up with my sons and see how much they do still remember of that day spent in London.
DeleteI've seen the Queen and the Duke during their last tour here.
ReplyDeleteHer travel days are long over now.
DeleteI'm neither pro or anti royalist but I think its fair to say most of Scotland does not have the same passion for the royals as England does. Very few street parties here or celebrations of any kind and it's been that way as long as I can remember for all the other major royal events. It's not anti royal sentiment... it's just not that important here. Even the BBC Scottish news tonight struggled to find a street party or other evidence of royal celebration. 'A more muted response' was the diplomatic suggestion by the local newsreader covering it. Even the colourful bunting hanging in Selkirk streets that they showed on TV tonight was apparently placed there for something else more local to that town but they highlighted it anyway... out of desperation to find something to put on the telly as a Scottish P.J. royal event :o)
ReplyDeleteI am always taken by surprise myself at the fervour of so many. Mostly it appears to be in London. When I saw people interviewed on the streets, many of the people dressed in red/white/&blue were visitors from overseas - Australia, America, and even Germany.
DeleteDespite not much happening up here I did catch the closing ceremony on TV down in London last night and was very impressed with the fantastic light show projected on the palace walls and the musical acts. As you say that would have been a treat for Londoners and overseas visitors lucky enough to see it. And that's from someone who usually avoids watching events of this kind if at all possible. It was a fitting tribute.
DeleteIt was amazing to see all of the many thousands of people all crowded together and never a mention of covid - who couild have imagined that just a few months ago.
DeleteI must admit that my favourite bit was the Queen taking tea with Paddington Bear.
Certainly an occasion to remember, thanks for sharing. I watch part of the celebrations this year, thank goodness for social media.
ReplyDeleteIt is a big tourist attraction for people travelling to London.
DeleteLoved reading about your silver jubilee experiences. Well done being in pole position. I had just moved to Jersey in 1977. The queen made a visit and I remember being very proud to get a photo of her as she drove down the street. I bet so many people have similar memories of her. B x
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that we did make an effort to experience a bit of "pomp & jubilation".
DeleteIt is so interesting to read about your Silver Jubilee experience. How serendipitous of your husband to suggest moving to that quiet street. Our Governor General was in London for the celebration, and we've seen bits of it on television. I enjoy all the pomp, but think how tiring it must be for the royal family. I saw the Queen once, in a northern British Columbia town, in 1971, along with Prince Charles and Princess Anne. How lovely for you to be able to see two of the beacons.
ReplyDeleteThe beacons for this celebration were eco friendly and did not use fire like they did in days gone by.
DeleteLuck was definitely with us when we stood in that very quiet street.
Dear Rosemary, Most often it is the case that pictures in your mind are much more vivid and beautiful than those that the camera has taken.
ReplyDeleteDear Gina - next time that I meet my sons I must check how much they remember now too. You are correct, there is no way that I could have captured so many memories with a camera.
DeleteThank you for sharing that lovely story! I have always admired your queen.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit - the recent Jubilee rekindled long ago memories for me.
DeleteDear Rosemary - I watched part of celebration including the balcony scenes on TV. It really made my heart warm and happy among all the disheartening news these days. Royal family is thought to be the symbol of national unity in my country, too. I could feel the excitement of your Silver Jubilee experience. What a lovely family memory!
ReplyDeleteYoko
Dear Yoko - the jubilee does appear to have lifted peoples spirits and taken away their cares of the world - it has been such a long time since we have all been without any joyous moments.
DeleteHope all is well with you and your family.
Oh what a lovely story! I wish I could been there celebrating with you all!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day Rosemary...
Titti
Celebrations are so rare these days - take care Titti.
DeleteA lovely day indeed. What a wonderful memory for you entire family!
ReplyDeleteI hope that my sons still remember the visit - I must ask them.
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