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.