Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton prequel served up with tea and two familiar palaces, Blenheim and Hampton Court

Outside Blenheim, one of the stand ins for Buckingham House

This month, Netflix aired "Queen Charlotte", a Bridgerton version of the story of King George III's "better half". It's a parallel universe where "The Great Experiment", sparked by the ethnicity of the new queen, welcomes diversity in both royals and the aristocracy. And, in this unique telling of history, despite the widely stretched interpretation of actual people and events and the extra spicy romance (I suddenly embrace an echo of the past, hearing my mom saying, "is this really necessary?"), we fell in love with the love story of two devoted souls. As an added bonus, we were also smitten with the palaces chosen for filming, including two of our favorites that we toured on two different trips across the pond: Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace.

Queen's Cake tea pairs nicely with the Netflix series

Of course, the perfect accompaniment to the Netflix series, the palaces and our blog, is a cup of  "Queen's Cake" tea from The Republic of Tea's Bridgerton collection. (BTS Queen's Cake review).

Barb and Rachel, outside Buckingham Palace, 2015

During Coronation Week at BTS, we featured Buckingham Palace, the home of Royals since King George III bought it (true story!) for his wife in 1762 and, at the time, known as "Buckingham House" (Buckingham Palace: Where the Coronation begins and ends). In Netflix's Queen Charlotte, Buckingham Palace has a few worthy stand-ins, Blenheim Palace for many of the exterior shots and Hampton Court for some of the interior scenes. We visited Buckingham Palace and Hampton Court in 2015 and Blenheim in 2018.

Blenheim is a BTS favorite as it is connected not only to the English monarchy, but America's Gilded Age as well. It was the Vanderbilt millions that helped keep Blenheim Palace and its contents restored and intact when the Commodore's great grand-daughter, Consuelo Vanderbilt, married Charles Spencer Churchill, Duke of Marlborough in the late 1800's. (For more on this connection, see the article we penned in the March/April issue of TeaTime Magazine. Link to intro:  Newport's Chinese Tea House).  

Netflix's Queen Charlotte where Blenheim stands in for Buckingham

It was a trip down a grand old memory lane as I watched the regal carriage drive up to the entrance of Blenheim Palace, (the Neflix series' Buckingham House), where I had my husband, Chris, take numerous pictures of me, as though I had just achieved a prize for winning a marathon. (These photos -without my presence - as well as many of the ones taken in the interior, are now shared as part of BTS' Gilded Age tea talks).

Never enough pics in front of Bleheim

Outside Bleheim Palace, 2018

Hampton Court Palace, which we visited three years prior to Blenheim, was also used for some of the interiors of  Queen Charlotte's Buckingham House and Hampton's gardens and courtyards were further called upon to stand in for St. James Palace.

Interiors of Bleheim Palace - now part of BTS Gilded Age tea talk

But, for all of "Queen Charlotte" 's wild history and romance, we were swept up with the sweet story of an independent young women struggling to navigate life in a new country with a troubled young man, who was at home in his palace but not in his own skin. 

(above) Hampton Court Palace in Netflix, (below), our visit to Hampton Cour in 2015

*Spoiler Alert*:  After the many years of marriage filled with children, politics and illness, there's a scene that sums up the true love story. One evening, when alone together in the tight, but safe, space under the monarch's bed, the elder King and Queen come face-to-face and see each other only as the beautiful young people they were on the day they first met. . . Oh, my, I'll need to serve myself another box of tissues with my next cup of Queen's Cake tea. 

Birdgerton Queen's Cake from Republic of Tea: a crossover to Queen Charlotte

 

Queen's Cake tea, one in The Republic of Tea's Bridgerton collection

The Republic of Tea has brought more fun to the "ton", with its latest edition of Bridgerton-inspired tea, taken from the new Bridgerton-inspired "Queen Charlotte" and we're still catching up.

We recently wrote on "Queen Charlotte", the latest Netflix series that aired this month. This is a an entertaining twist on history, and as noted by BTS, it pairs nicely with Queen's Cake tea, which we recently added to our Bridgerton tea collection. (See our review from June, 2022, of the Duke and Duchess Honey Breakfast tea).

Queen's Cake, part of Bridgerton teas - to be followed by Queen Charlotte teas

The Queen's Cake is an herbal tea consisting of green rooibos, orange peel and licorice root with added natural flavors of French vanilla, black current, lemongrass and lemon. This tea comes in teabags and label instructions set steeping time between 5 and 7 minutes.

Queen's Cake's label instructions, steep 5 to 7 minutes and enjoy . . .with no scandal and remorse

Full disclosure, I'm not a fan of licorice and for rooibos I fall into the category of "it depends". With the Queen's Cake, these flavors are trumped with a heavy dose of French vanilla, which solves one tasting issue while creating another. It's quite sweet, but after all, it is "cake". 

We'd suggest this tea may be a fill-in when you're looking for dessert without the calories and tea without caffeine. 

And, if you do choose to indulge in the Queen's Cake, we also recommend following the other instructions on the label:  "sip like a royal and enjoy this decadent tea with no scandal and no remorse".

The Republic of Tea now carries a dedicated tea collection for "Queen Charlotte". 

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Beartown - a tale of small-town hockey, tragedy, triumph and friends you have at fifteen

This month's Tea/Kaffe Klatch and Tomes:  Beartown

"Beartown" is about a small community in northern Sweden where youth hockey reigns supreme. In a remote area challenged by long, harsh winters and limited opportunities, hockey is not just a sport. For most Beartown residents it's a way of life and, for a few of the gifted, it's also a way out.  Hockey brings hope and promise to the small town and when so much hangs on the outcome of a championship, any threat to that end, no matter how horrible, becomes divisive. This hockey season, Beartown's collective moral compass is hit hard and cracks and splits like a brick hitting the season's first thin layer of ice on a pond. 

"Beartown", for me, was relatable on many levels:   it takes place in Sweden (my grandparents are from a Swedish settlement in Finland); involves a small town (similar to one my dad grew up in the upper peninsula); and having some of the best friends you can get at the age of fifteen.  If we subtract a few years from the latter, it brings us to the other member of our "Book Club de Deux", my cher amie for over 50 years. 

It was this great friend who selected this month's book club novel. Loretta had read another book , "Anxious People" by "Beartown" author, Fredrik Backman, and enjoyed it. We like to compare writing styles of authors against contemporaries as well as the author themselves, so we were both eager to add "Beartown" to the latest reading choice of our Book Club de Deux.

BCDD members from 12 to present (here 19)

Book Club de Deux

Some may also recognize the author from another of his books, " A Man Called Ove", which was turned into a major motion picture last year starring Tom Hanks. ("Ove" was changed to "Otto" as I'm guessing that many of us in the American audience wouldn't readily connect that "Ove" was just a name without a deeper meaning.)

But, back to our book of the month, "Beartown". This novel is very readable and engaging, with some character's stories so compelling that it tugged emotionally and made us care - like Amat, the young hockey player, short on money but big on heart. However, we both felt that there were some factors that weighed the narrative down: the storytelling was a bit contrived in parts and repetitive in its themes.  Community, value, culture - these were a consistent and not so subtle thread throughout the 400-plus pages.  These words floated over small town gossip and on banners in the hockey stadium, sometimes torn apart both figuratively and literally. And, if we didn't get the meaning and symbolism from their looming presence, they're further explained in a conversation with an old hockey coach.  

However, from my exposure to small, remote towns with harsh winters and a good deal of Scandinavians, two things are paramount: local sports and coffee. In my dad's hometown, high school basketball was its passion and on the occasional year they'd be gifted with a star player, that young man was treated as a celebrity. Even my grandmother followed the games like they were a team in the NBA.

And, then, there's the coffee.  For Swedes, like my grandmother and the extended family in Finland that we visited a few years back,  "coffee" is not just a hot beverage served in a cup. No, it's a table set with multiple cakes, rolls, toast and jams. It's also more than food and drink - it's a Scandinavian way of saying "hello" and "welcome".

So as Backman hits the hockey hard in Beartown, he also adds some subtle Swedish customs, like coffee. In one chapter he notes that Kira - attorney, wife of a hockey coach and mother of two teenagers - ". . . smells coffee from a neighbor's house and wishes someone would invite her over - shared coffee being the customary gesture of hospitality in Beartown".

As stated in the beginning of our review, Beartown is not only about hockey and small towns, it's about the friends you make when you are teenagers - another theme that is underlined heavily. Several times throughout the book, the author talks of the special bond you have with the friends you make when you are fifteen and even though it changes, those who drift apart seek the rewards of reuniting.

Kaffee Klatch-ing in person or on Zoom, celebrating great friends and great books!

For our Book Club de Deux, whose members became friends at twelve, that bond is cherished and it continues to be celebrated - no matter how many miles separate us - with our monthly kaffee klatches and book club.

"Beartown" is, in parts, a page-turner, a quick read and gives you a lot to think about. We say it pairs well with coffee and dear friends.  Just for today, we're "Tuesday Kaffee Klatch and Tomes".  💘😉

LoopieLu Sweets: Delightful and delicious bakery opens in northern Michigan

LoopieLu Sweets Grand Opening April, 2023

 Loopie Lu Swets bakery in Mio just had its grand opening last month, but we've been big fans for years.

Lori Miller, the creator of Loopie Lu Sweets has been in the baking business for five years, starting at local farmers markets and expanding to an on-line presence. We met Lori early in her start up at the Lewiston Farmers Market, a short distance from our up-north home. Immediately impressed with Lori's scrumptious products and beautiful presentation, we knew when we hosted our daughter and son-in-law's wedding reception in 2021, we had to have LoopieLu cater the desserts.  The array of cupcakes were pretty and delicious and served up with excellent customer service. (For those who have experienced juggling several vendors for a large party, you know how valuable communication and reliability are - and, always with a smile, an added bonus!)

LoopieLu Sweets catered the dessert table for our daughter and son-in-law's wedding reception

So, we were among a large fan base who were following LoopieLu Sweet's journey to a brick-and-mortar home. After a few twists and turns, Lori found a great spot on Mount Tom Road (M-33) in Mio, Michigan. Lori and her team spent several months remodeling an existing building to make it suitable for her baking business. We stopped in last September during the construction for a quick visit and we've been eagerly awaiting its completion.

BTS meets up with Lori Miller of LoopieLu Sweets this week

This week, we experienced the wonderful new home of LoopieLu Sweet's and had a lovely chat with Lori, with her always welcoming smile. Her gleaming glass counters were filled with exceptional desserts:  a variety of cookies, scones, cakes, biscottis and, new to us, red velvet cake pops.  We filled our bag with a number of goodies including a Loopie Lu Sweets mug. 

The name "LoopieLu", we learned this week, derived from two nicknames given to Lori when she was growing up. When she put them together, it had the right tone for her baking business -  adding "sweets" made it perfect.

Check in with Lori and Loopie Lu Sweets during remodel last September 

Along with all her other fantastic desserts, Lori tells us that her cheesecakes have really taken off. The new retail store also serves coffee and tea and there are plans for outdoor seating this summer.

Scones, biscotti and Loopie Lu Sweets mug

And red velvet cake pops!

We're looking forward to sampling more LoopieLu Sweet's offerings this summer and we'll continue to share the yumminess on our BTS blog.

For more information, including hours, location and other details, visit the Loopie Lu Sweets website.

Barb's Tea Service is on YouTube!

Barb's Tea Service is on YouTube, Stop by for a visit and suscribe!

 

Barb's Tea Service is on YouTube!

In the past few years (2020 to present day), we've created almost twenty short videos, ranging from two to four-plus minutes with varying content, quality, and editing skills along with a few assorted bad hair days. But while we're honing our production skills (and paying a bit more attention to the coiffure before the "camera rolls"), we submit for your approval, videos on mostly tea-related topics.  

One of our earlier videos: Vienna's Sacher torte

With a quick overview of the videos currently uploaded to our BTS YouTube page, we can lump several together under topics we love to talk about.  In the tasty treats themes, we have four devoted to chocolate, two on spices (pumpkin spice also includes glass pumpkins), two on lemon curd and one on cupcakes. We celebrate some of the big holidays: St. Patricks' Day, Gingerbread Day and National Hot Tea Day. For geographical interest, so far, we've covered New York and Canada. In the lifestyle category, we have videos that address salt cellars, knife rests, the (only) book on knife rests, grandmillenial style and the ultimate trend guide: "What's In/What's Out" for the new year. 

Two items from "Wednesday, What is It?" salt cellar and knife rest

And, of course, we chat about tablescapes - another BTS favorite.

Most of the videos are highlights and/or lead into of one of our blogs which expands on the topic be it detailed recipes or historical context. The reels are bite-sized content of bigger stories. And, we're working on making more and making them more watchable with slick editing and superior production quality.  

Although these are not quite the next "Citizen Kane" or "Casablanca", we'll borrow a most famous line from the latter:  "here's looking at you, vid . . . (eo)"  

As we continue this journey, please visit us on YouTube and become a subscriber! Here's the link:

Barb's Tea Service - YouTube

BTS on YouTube, Here's looking at you, vid!

Quix: Belgian Chocolatier in Ferndale (where you can even eat the dishes!)

Quix Chocolate offers a variety of truffles and treats, including chocolate teacups

We love tea served in teacups and we love to pair tea with chocolate, so when our teacup is chocolate - well, to borrow from  the song "The Candy Man" - talk about your childhood wishes,  you can even it the dishes! And, that's exactly the treat we received for Mother's Day from my children via Quix Chocolate.

These fine people live only a bike ride away from Quix

Quix Chocolate, is located in Ferndale, but its roots are in Belgium. The original chocolate business started in Lanklaar, Belgium in 1949 in the home of Marcel Jeandarme and Mariette Quix. They produced their own chocolate from scratch with imported cocoa beans. The company expanded to several cities in Belgium until the 1980's, when it ceased operations waiting for an heir to take the reigns.

Inside the store, it's bright and cheery

It may have taken awhile and some miles, but Quix has resumed its quality, small-batch, from-scratch Belgian chocolates in southeast Michigan. And, for those of us within driving distance, it's a well-rewarded trip to its bright and charming store.

Pairing chocolate with tea, the only thing better. . . chocolate teacups!

My daughter and son-in-law are fortunate to live a bike ride away from Quix and we've joined them on a few occasions to shop and sample. 

For Mother's Day, when they came through the door holding the distinctive orange bag, I knew I was in for a treat. But, chocolate teacups - incredible!

Thinking in the future what charming - and tasty - additions these edible teacups would make for a whimsical afternoon tea tablescape. Stay tuned. . . 

Chipping away at my teacups, talk about your childhood wishes when you can eat the dishes.

In the meantime, I've been "chipping" away at my chocolate cups and the truffles inside. It's true, everything Quix makes is "satisfying and delicious" and I'm certainly enjoying my tea lady/tea girl wishes eating these chocolate dishes.  

 

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Princess Mary, the first modern princess and a role in Downton Abbey, too!

Princess Mary, The Frist Modern Princess by Elisabeth Basfor

The first Downton Abbey movie, which premiered in 2019, continued the saga of the Crawley family and their staff as they approach the 1930's. The major plotline of the film is an upcoming visit from King George V and Queen Mary to Downton Abbey. Another character's story, that of Princess Mary, begins and ends so quickly, it's easy to miss it, not unlike history's account of the real life royal and her trail blazing ways. But, with the recent biography by Elisabeth Basford, the author takes the overlooked princess out of the corner and puts her center stage under the well-deserved spotlight.

In Downton Abbey, Princess Mary, is portrayed as a meek, timid woman married to a much older, stern and unflinching aristocrat. Although she was shy, and her husband was 15 years older, her personality and marriage were more complex and layered than certainly ten or fifteen minutes allow in a movie. But, history needs a little updating, and Elisabeth Basford finally does this story justices in "Princess Mary, The First Modern Princess".

Princess Mary featured in Downton Abbey movie

BTS at the "real" DA, Highclere

Mary was the only daughter of King George V and his wife, Queen Mary. As hard as it is to comprehend for those of us who have known only one English monarch in our lifetime until last September, Princess Mary had lived through six, beginning with her great grandmother, Queen Victoria, then grandfather, father, two brothers and finally, her niece, Elizabeth. 

Quiet and reserved, like her parents, Mary also inherited her father's keen sense of duty. As noted in our review of Spare, it was King George V, who created the "charity map", a chart kept of all the royals' charitable acts throughout the year. At Christmastime, the King would review and note who had made the most public appearances (a practice that Prince Harry felt devolved into a ridiculous competition among the family, with some members inflating their numbers by adding activities that weren't really charitable).

Buckingham Palace - where Mary once lived

Despite her introverted nature, Mary pursued a career in nursing, took on the role of advocate and fundraiser for furthering the education of women and, literally rolled up her sleeves to assist during the war effort, be it helping in the cafeteria, visiting wounded soldiers or paying respect to those who died in service. In fact, it was Mary who began the tradition of placing her bridal bouquet on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey after her wedding. Both Princess Dianna and Catherine Middleton followed suit - the ladies we think of as being those the first to deviate from traditional royal roles. But, there was Princess Mary, decades before, charting such new paths.

As for Mary's marriage to the old and difficult aristocrat as portrayed in the movie, it was also not truly accurate. While there was an age difference - Henry Lascelles, the 6th Earl of Harewood, was thirty-nine when he married the 23-year-old princess - the couple shared many passions including art, antiques and music and, from their son's account, got along very well. In addition, and not a small detail to consider, Henry was very wealthy and heir to several large estates, which provided Mary more freedom and independence from her parents. One of the Earl's largest homes, Harewood, is not only where Mary and Henry raised their two sons, but it also had a role in the Downton Abbey movie (the great ballroom scene!) And, it's where we'll be visiting this fall - so, as we like to say at BTS - stay tuned!

"Princess Mary, The First Modern Princess" is well researched and almost textbook-like with respect to all the posts that the princess held, accounts of her numerous charities and public appearances (surely, she was always in the running for first place in the "charity map") as well as her travels and the many times she represented a monarch who was spread too thin or ill. 

Some of the more personal and painful aspects of Princess Mary's life are covered in varying degrees of detail, but never shied away from.  Her eldest brother's abdication and her own sons' affairs, divorces and children out of wedlock, were devastating and Mary, who early on took the role of "peacemaker" amongst her siblings and parents, used those carefully honed skills to deal with life's tragedies and disappointments.   She was raised to, and fully embraced, placing duty over self and putting a good face on a difficult situation.

And to her credit, though born and wed into privilege, she still connected with the residents in Yorkshire, the home of Harewood. In this part of England, she was seen as "one of their own" by the locals and allowed to go about her business with few intrusions. She enjoyed being an everyday person and doing ordinary things like shopping for groceries in the town market. She was viewed as down to earth, and while fluent in many languages and an adept conversationalist on art and music, she equally enjoyed talking about gardening tasks and discussing the best methods to get rid of wire-worms in potatoes.

BTS Downton Abbey tea talk includes "Princess Mary" and some of our DA articles in TeaTime

Even though the Downton Abbey movie, like history, may have put Princess Mary in the corner, the film at least showed us where the princess was sitting. Elisabeth Basford brought her centerstage, and highlighted Princess Mary's role in being the first modern princess, an inspiration to those who followed in her royal footsteps.

Barb's Tea Service's latest Dawton Abbey tea talk, referenced both Princess Mary's depiction in the Downton Abbey movie as well as her "true story" of pioneering new roles for royals, in "Elisabeth Basford's Princess Mary, The First Modern Princess".

Early morning Royal Watching Tradition: Up at dawn every five to seven years

BTS, Barb and Rachel up early at East Lansing tearoom in 2011 for William and Kate's wedding.

Since 2011, we've been rising early to view historic Royal events. Fortunately, for us, the grand ceremonies have been spaced out over the decade with two princely weddings seven years apart and, add another five years to the last for today's Coronation of the King.  

At the time of William and Kate's wedding, my daughter, Rachel, was finishing up her junior year at Michigan State in East Lansing. A tearoom had opened up across campus and the owners were hosting an "afternoon tea" to celebrate the occasion.  However, "afternoon" was really "pre-dawn" so that guests could watch the Royal nuptials in real time. 

Because we had to get there so early, Rachel and I stayed at hotel within a five minute walk to the tearoom. We wore our "after five dresses" (which, when we last wore them, was after 5:00 PM, not AM), in addition to pearls, vintage pins and, of course, hats.

Up early again, at Fox 2 studios for Harry and Meghan's big day.

It was a lot of fun, but a bit surreal. We were also a bit younger - after a quick change, Rachel went back to class and I drove to the office.  

Seven years later,  in 2018, Harry and Meghan walked down the aisle and we were once again willing participants in early morning festivities. Rachel and I were presenting a Royal Tea at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel in the afternoon. The Tea Director asked if I would join a member of their team on Fox 2 News and talk about proper afternoon tea etiquette.

Barb and Rachel present at the Townsend after Fox 2 News

Of course, I happily accepted, but that meant an even earlier alarm setting. I scheduled a stylist to be at my house at 4:00 AM for make-up and hair.  I made it to the studio by 6:00 AM and immediatly started talking with Charlie L. and Maurielle as though this was an everyday occurrence.

Watching the coronation this AM with hat, but, no stylist

Then, five years later, and almost the exact time of year, we have the Coronation of King Charles III.  This time, while still up before sunrise, I went slightly more "casual" and celebrated at home (no stylist - the selfie is proof). But still celebrated in style, wearing my special Harrod's fascinator, sipping tea and eating scones, and texting with fellow Royal-watchers, sister-in-law, Sandy, and tealightful friend, Barb T. 

Watching live- the carriage arrives at Westminster Abbey.

Overall, I felt the Coronation was well-done and worth the shaving off of several hours from my routine sleep. The carriages, the regalia, the robes and the crowns were truly awesome. The family dynamics were compelling as well. Much prior speculation had us wondering where they'd put Harry, who'd make the Buckingham Palace balcony, and if Louis would continue to entertain with his young boy antics. 

Watching for who made the cut at the Palace balcony

We got our answers, though none too shocking.  It was good to see Harry in attendance even though he was seated a few rows back at Westminster Abbey. We weren't surprised that, aside from some of the pageboys and a few friends and relations of Camilla, only "working Royals" were on the balcony. But, Louis, truly best in show, did not disappoint. His animated waves and facial expressions gave a little lightheartedness to an event laden with centuries old rituals and solemnity. 

Louis, best in show, brings some lightheartedness to the day

With an extra infusion of caffeine via tea (and, yes, coffee, too!), we were thrilled to be part of yet another historic royal event from London. Admittedly, we're also thrilled that these don't come too often as getting out of bed while it's still dark outside should be the exception, not the rule.

Tonight, I'm quite sure that easy will lie the head that watched the crown.

Are you prepared for tomorrow morning? Coronation Checklists of King Charles and BTS: What to wear and what to eat!

Our Coronation first breakfast: Darjeeling tea, scones and chocolate tarts

 

Our alarm is set to 5:00 AM. We've secured the scones and we'll have a full pot of Coronation tea at the ready because, we, like the newly minted King and Queen, have a timeline to follow. We'll also share in a number of wardrobe changes and dining options.  Here's how our lists compare:

What to eat:

The King:  According to the Daily Star, the King is said to enjoy a late breakfast consisting of Darjeeling tea with milk and honey, homemade bread and linseed (which he refers to as "birdseed"), topping it all off with fresh fruit and juice.

For the "Big Lunch" tomorrow, Veranda divulges that Charles and Camilla are replacing Coronation Chicken with Coronation Quiche. If you're a Boomer, you may recall the satirical book "Real Men Don't Eat Quiche".  Well, a lot has changed since 1982 and, we're glad to see that, in 2023, real monarchs do indeed indulge in the egg dish pastry. 

BTS:  Breakfast/lunch:  Because of the time difference, those of us in the States will be watching the Coronation during the first meal of the day - or to borrow from the Hobbits, it will be the first of two breakfasts in the morning. On our viewing menu, we have Coronation tea (Darjeeling), scones, chocolate tarts and, just to mix it up, a few Stroop Waffles.

What to wear:

The King:  Marie Claire notes that the King will be wearing two different crowns and several different robes. The latter category includes the Robe of State, the Robe Royal and Stole Royal. 

BTS:  We'll also sporting more than one head-topper. We'll begin with a cream hatinator we purchased at Harrod's in 2018, then switch to a small, but stunning navy fascinator (a gift from sister-in-law,  and fellow Royalphile, Sandy) and end with a modest, but elegant tiara. 

King Charles will don two different crowns tomorrow, BTS will wear three!

We'll begin with classic pearls then move to a silver chain with the majestic crown charm - a souvenir from our visit to the Tower of London (2006).

Pearls will be swapped for crown necklace

Wardrobe changes: comfy pants, then active wear

Our morning attire will start with casual comfy pants and, later, upgrade to our black active wear for more formal celebrating.

Of course, if we sleep in a bit or forget the Stroop waffles, the consequences are not nearly so dire as a misstep in this rare Coronation ceremony. And, that is exactly why many of us will be tuning in - to be eyewitnesses to an historic event that will execute pomp and circumstances like no other.

(But, I'll pass on the birdseed, indulge in a few chocolate tarts for the occasion and maybe, a bit of what "real" bloggers love, quiche!).