Buckingham Palace: Where the Coronation begins and ends (and a great gift shop, too!)

Buckingham Palace:  Where the Coronation journey starts and concludes

This Saturday, the Coronation of King Charles will begin with a journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.  After the Coronation ceremony, the official events will conclude with a circle back to the Palace and a view of the Royals on its iconic balcony. With such a prominent role in the special day's activities, we at BTS thought it a good time to revisit our visit to Buckingham Palace including the state rooms, the grounds and, yes, a most impressive gift shop with a whole section devoted to "Royal Teatime".

Our family outside Buckingham Palace in 2015, getting ready to queue up for the tour

In the fall of 2015,  we (the "non royal we") - me, husband, Chris and two of our children, Rachel and Matt - ventured across the pond for a combined history and Downton Abbey-themed vacation. While we had taken in the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey as part of a full-family trip (this one also included son, Rob), nine years earlier, this time, we toured not only Hampton Court, but, found, to our good fortune, Buckingham Palace was also open to the public in the short time we were in London. We scored tickets and experienced the interiors of this royal residence.

One of my Buckingham Palace favs: gift store with "Royal Teatime" department

Photos are not allowed during the tour of the Palace, which is limited to the State Rooms where the royals entertain, so one must be content with the memories.  Although I can't recall every room, its impression is everlasting:  a dizzying display of gilded gold, sparkling crystal and rich red carpets. I especially remember the Ballroom where banquets are held for visiting heads of state. Serving ware was set in military precision on a stage of crisp white linen tablecloths, all anchored on a crimson carpet. We were told it could seat approximately 170 guests (enough for all your family and friends with a few seats to spare!).

My ticket to Buckingham Palace. Rachel bought the crown (tree topper) at the gift shop for her mother.

For all its grandeur, however, the Palace had relatively humble beginnings, starting in the early 17th century as a site for a mulberry plantation of James I. It turned over a few owners until John Sheffield, later Duke of Buckingham, took possession in 1698. He found the original house on the estate to be "old fashioned", so he had it demolished and replaced with a new abode. This was now "Buckingham House".

In the mid-1700's, the house was acquired by Geroge III for the residence for his wife, Queen Charlotte and their family (hello, Bridgerton fans).  It was their son, George IV, whose vision was to change Buckingham House into a palace.

BTS ladies at the back of Buckingham Palace

When Queen Victoria moved in, she complained it was too small. Another wing was added as well as that earlier mentioned balcony. The latter was at the suggestion of the queen's husband, Prince Albert.

It was then their son, King Edward VII, who we can credit for the glitzy/regal decor of many of the State Rooms, including my favorite, the Ballroom.

But, as often happens, with progress comes problems, and industrial London took a toll on the exterior of Buckingham Palace.  During the reign of King George V, Buckingham Palace's front was refaced, making it more formidable in appearance and construction.

It then became the home to the current king's mother and, for most of us, that's the only monarch we have witnessed living there. The time has come for a new monarch to take up stakes at Buckingham Palace.

Treasures we brought back from London, including some teatime treasures from Buckingham Palace

I'll be watching, like the rest of the world, for the new King and Queen and their extended family, as they walk out on Buckingham Palace balcony and wave to the crowd, locals and beyond. I'll think of the perks they now will take on as the reigning monarchs of Buckingham Palace.  Tops on their list will surely be stepping into roles as the new hosts of that amazing ballroom/dining room and, perhaps, all-day access to that incredible gift shop.

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