Normally, when tourists gather outside Buckingham Palace, all eyes are on the building itself: the sandy coloured exterior, the classic balcony, even the guards.
But this time, everyone is looking at me.
I’m staring, bemused, as tourists turn away from the iconic attraction – and instead point their selfie sticks and cameras in my direction. I’d better fix my hair.
It’s not because I’m accompanied by a member of the Royal Family.
It’s because I’ve been riding along all the way through Parliament Square, past Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and right up to the Palace itself – in a shiny black horse-drawn carriage, a la Kate Middleton on her wedding day.
How on earth have I ended up here?
I’m staying at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, a five-minute walk – or leisurely 20-minute carriage ride – from Buckingham Palace.
The hotel concierge has, in ever-diligent fashion, arranged for me to visit the new Buckhingham Palace exhibition, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style – which opened last week. And not just that – but to be transported there in style.
Fit for a queen! Outside Buckingham Palace, our writer Erin is on a royal adventure
Start the day in style: St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, is the first stop on the journey
I’m embarking on a rightfully regal adventure in the heart of London’s ‘Royal District’ – and I’m bang on time.
This year marks 100 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s birth on 21 April 1926, and the nation’s capital is awash with celebrations in her honour. We may have lost the woman who is a national emblem in the eyes of so many of us Brits, but her legacy lives on.
My day starts, as all normal days do, with a quick breakfast and a coffee.
But that’s when all semblance of the ordinary exits promptly out of the window.
I’m picked up right outside the front door of my hotel in my ride for the day – it’s world’s away from my usual London Underground commute.
‘Your carriage awaits, m’lady,’ my chauffer announces (alright, perhaps it was closer to ‘Good morning, miss’ – a girl can dream).
I meet my new companions for the day – no, not Paulette and Alan, the coachmen who run Layer Marney Horse Drawn Carriages, although their hospitable welcome does not go amiss.
It’s Jack and Jill, the two whimsically named white horses pulling the carriage, who are the true stars of the show.
Princess parade: And the carriage fits right into the scenery at Buckingham Palace
I clamber aboard, ready for possibly the one and only time I will really feel like a princess. I should have worn a ball gown, pearl necklace and white gloves, I think to myself.
Jack, Jill and I set off on our route, starting outside the hotel just footsteps from Buckingham Palace and St James’ Park.
I’m a Londoner at heart, but it’s true that I’ve never seen London like this. Instead of merely strolling through Victoria, Westminster and Parliament Square, I’m taking my route in royal style.
Never before have so many strangers taken photographs of me.
I even attempt to master the royal wave, but excitement gets the better of me and I end up waving frantically at every bus driver, crowd of tourists and small child that so much as glances in my direction.
The novelty of such an experience, usually reserved for the likes of kings and queens , does not wear off.
Soon, I’m deposited right outside the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, ready for my next stop.
At Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, I take my time perusing the wardrobe of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Homage to Her Majesty: Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is open now
Visitors will also see garments worn at defining moments in the nation’s history, including the Coronation dress
Known for her meticulously coordinated wardrobe, Queen Elizabeth understood the power of fashion, often relying on bold hues to ensure she stood out in any crowd
The floor-to-ceiling display of coats is complemented by more than 50 hats, from the turbans and berets of the 1960s and 70s to the sculptural ‘flying saucers’ of the 1980s and 90s
I inspect everything from the iconic gowns – I gape, mouth open, at her coronation dress and the pearl and jewel-embroidered gowns in every shade from peachy orange to a pale blue reminiscent of a quiet ocean – to the children’s clothing, tweed suits and immaculate British tailoring.
Queen Elizabeth II’s tiny christening robe, a burgundy velvet ball gown that pays homage to vintage Dior and a plethora of matching hats and handbags make the exhibition a sort of walk-in wardrobe fit for a Queen (quite literally) – and are, indescribably, so clearly possessions of only one truly iconic woman.
What is obvious here, too, is that these are not just clothes – they are a formulation of national pride and diplomacy.
National flowers are beaded into clothing.
Official colours are used for dresses the Queen wore to visit.
The tailoring rings true of an immeasurably British style.
Once I’m done, I watch – ever so slightly smug – as all the other visitors resume their walking tours in London.
I, however, have a carriage awaiting – for my adventure is not yet over.
I’m whisked away in elegant style back to my hotel for lunch – and it’s yet another nod to the year Queen Elizabeth’s would have turned 100.
The Queen’s Centenary Table at TH@51, the hotel’s globally inspired restaurant, is a bespoke menu designed to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
At £69 per person for three courses, it’s a great way to top off my already majestic day – and an excellent deal for a restaurant in central London.
The limited-time special menu inspired by British seasonal ingredients is only available until 18 October.
We start with a Balmoral John Ross smoked salmon salad, a nod to the Queen’s summer residence, which is lightly and perfectly dressed – before moving on to the main event, a pistachio-crusted Welsh lamb rack.
This is British food cooked to perfection, designed to bring to mind a quintessentially royal buffet but in an unfussy, airy setting.
For dessert, there’s a chocolate biscuit cake – which, the chef informs me, was cooked in huge quantities for Queen Elizabeth, and served in small portions at each meal.
Dessert every day? It sounds like Her Majesty did things right.
Horsing around: Jack and Jill are the horses in charge
Best of British: The pistachio-crusted Welsh lamb is a highlight
Patisserie for a princess: Tudor rose-shaped pastry and desserts are the cherry on top
I’ve lived out my childhood princess fantasies, lapped up a little bit of papparazzi attention right outside Buckingham Palace and gained an insight into the vast, elaborate and oh-so-elegant wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II, who will forever remain a fashion – and historical – icon.
The best part? You can enjoy all of this too, bookable on request at the St. James’ Court hotel.
I end my day back in my hotel suite, and enjoy a handmade pastry in the shape of an English rose delivered to me by the thoughtful concierge.
One could get used to this royal lifestyle, one thinks.
TRAVEL FACTS
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London, rooms from £240 per night (stjamescourthotel.co.uk/en/).
Tickets for Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, £22 per adult are available online now.
The Queen’s Centenary Table at TH@51, £69 per person.
You will be able order a horse and carriage ride along with a ticket to the Queen’s exhibition when staying at Taj. The horse and carriage will be available when booked 48 hours in advance. The horse and carriage will be priced on request and will vary based on number of passengers in the carriage.
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