Can't Get Enough of things Royal
 

If one were to come to London for a five day trip with the high priority being immersed in anything concerning the Royal Family, what advice would you give us? We will visit Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Tower of London and now are contemplating a trip to Althorp. Is your best advice to take the train from London Euston to Northampton and then taxi to Althorp? (I've heard that the bus has limited service, only three times a day.) How much time would you allow such a trip? Thanks in advance.

Over the centuries the royals have been the subject of a great deal of artwork and, in turn, assembled their own collections by hook and by crook (not literally.)
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/ is a guide to various museums and galleries where the work is stored and goes on display along with special temporary shows. The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace alone is worth several hours. Its collection of both good and mediocre works demonstrates how a few perceptive monarchs greatly improved standards while others saw only their own egos on canvas or were distracted by other interests such as the horses so beloved of our current Queen.

I would definitely visit Hampton Court palace - unless you dislike Tudors. Also have a look at the National Portrait Gallery - a mixed bag but interesting for an hour.

And definitely visit the part of Buck House that are open - gallery and mews at least.

If you want to see royals that is another thing. We saw both the Queen - in the paddock with her runner - and the Queen Mum - when we went to see the Derby - naturally some year ago. But I believe the newspapers carry the court calendar and someone may be opening something while you are there.

Husker, I notice that LONDON WALKS is offering a "Queen's Jubilee" walk in honor Her Majesty's 60th anniversary.

Also
To get a “royal flavor” you might consider shopping/browsing in those high end establishments which hold “royal warrants” like Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly.


“Royal warrants of appointment have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods or services to a royal court or certain royal personages. The warrant enables the supplier to advertise the fact that they supply to the royal family, so lending prestige to the supplier. In the United Kingdom, grants are currently made by three members of the British Royal Family to companies or tradesmen who supply goods and services to individuals in the family.”

You picked a great year to visit London - enjoy!

Like the others, I was going to suggest the Queen's Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Maybe Harrods, at least the food shops, if you want to buy some official Royal biscuits. Or go the Harrods at the airport.

You could always visit any Waitrose supermarket and stock up on Duchy Originals biscuits to take home, since they're produced on the Duchy of Cornwall estates.
http://www.duchyoriginals.com/

Years ago I enjoyed the Queens Dollhouse at Windsor. Massive and detailed! Hope they didn't lose that in the fire.

How kind you all are! We are fascinated how the monarchy has changed with the times with William and Kate. Do you think that past monarchs tended to hold their position more elevated than what the new royalty do? I mean would a future king ever have done the weather forecast on tv? What changes do you see in the UK in regards to roles of the royal family? It seems that we, in the States, relate easier to a more "common royal" if one could call it that, because we have no royalty and love to see it from afar. I feel shy about admitting that I come to see the jewels and the finery and the castles and palaces rather than having a similar interest in battles and law making. However as Southam says, "a few perceptive monarchs greatly improved standards" and that will be fascinating to learn about.
latedaytraveler- I am so interested in the "royal warrants." Never knew of such a thing! We will definitely look for those. You mean that we could take home a bar of soap that's exactly like what the Royals use? What FUN! Who are the three members of the Royal Family who grant these warrants?
And PatrickLondon, we will get Duchy Originals for sure. Everyone at work wants us to bring them back something from London. Would this be my best bet? I am only partially kidding about getting a new piece of luggage in London so that we can fill it up with souvenirs. I might single-handedly boost your economy! heh heh
Apres_Londee-there's a Harrods at the airport!?! This is just getting better and better! We are indeed blessed to be able to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip and can't thank you all enough for giving us your time and expertise.

Royal warrants:
http://www.royalwarrant.org/rwha-search.html

London souvenirs in general: there are plenty of places around offering all sorts of tacky souvenirs, especially along Oxford Street, and most department stores will have a range of possibly more upmarket Jubilee-related items (I notice John Lewis, who know their market, have a range playing on the slogan "60 Years A Queen", for example).

For small, portable, and not too expensive things you might also look at the shop at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, which has all sorts of things related to tubes and buses, from simple pencils and erasers upwards.
http://www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/