Did you know that Buckingham is pronounced as Buck-ing-um? The h is silent as in all English place names like Clapham, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Debenhams, etc.
It was surreal, standing here at the palace where the Royal Wedding took place only a few months ago.
In June 2003, three German tourists climbed over the walls and camped overnight on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, believing it to be Hyde Park. Sarah Ferguson found them barbecuing sausages on the lawn. When her royal highness interrogated, "Do you know where you are?" The campers nonchalantly replied "Hyde Park!", unaware that she was the Duchess Of York herself!
Then there's this tale of Michael Fagan, the prowler who broke into the palace and entered the Queen's bedchamber in the early hours of 9 July 1982. The Queen woke up when the Irish intruder disturbed a curtain, after which he sat on the edge of her bed talking to her for about ten minutes.The Queen was only able to raise the alarm when Fagan asked for a cigarette and she called for a footman who held him until the police arrived.
Disclaimer: The facts shared here are as told to us by our tour guide who was quite a funny guy. Half the time, we couldn't tell if he was serious or merely pulling our leg. We were all foreigners in the tour group he was leading.
Rodney with Phil Bennett, our tour guide of Evan Tours. Phil was fun and quite the entertainer! Loved his humour! It seems that he has been told many times that he looks like Matt Damon. He does, actually, minus the bowler hat and pipe!
Veronica, this is so interesting. Would like to read more :)
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work.
Hello Veronica, long time, no see :) Looks like you are enjoying London, and your pictures are great.
ReplyDeleteI love London! The Buckingham Palace is incredible! Did you get to go inside? its impressive! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was very nice readying your post, your pictures are great!...
Adriana (MBC) :)
V, it's always a pleasure to read your posts. I find it amazing that you remember so much to post about it. I always feel so overwhelmed -- information overload! Your photos are beautiful. You look like you are enjoying yourself. I love the stories from your tour guide. Heehee. Now I'm going to check out the stories! :) can't wait for more photos and stories of your adventure.
ReplyDeleteHI! how exciting is that! I would love to go to England well Europe it is on my bucket ist! I love your page and you have a new GFC Fan! I am playing Blog Tag...YOUR IT!, tag me back at:
ReplyDeletehttp://my-bloggityblog.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bloggity-Blog/260564090644111
Awesome pics. So was it bigger than you thought? Seems huge to me but never been in person. Love the little stories about the palace..lol
ReplyDeleteCool! Did you tell the queen I said "hello"?! :) I would have loved to have been there for the wedding.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience! I just wanted to drop in and thank you so much for supporting my first blog hop! You'll hold a special plave in my heart because of it!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and I'm so jealous of your trip! :D
ReplyDeleteWell that's done it. Every Australian just failed the pronunciation test!!!
ReplyDeleteso cool!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this part of your trip with us!!!
and loved the stories
Hi Veronica, love your pics. London is, has always been a fascinating country with it's old world charms.
ReplyDeleteAnd the British sense f humour is infectious.
Have a great holiday....don't forget try their fish & chips.
Best regards, you keep a song in your heart.
Lee.
The tour guide does look Damonesque. I remember the intruder story, but I hadn't heard how he sat on the edge of the bed and asked for a fag. Cool
ReplyDeleteRosemary
We were there but it was closed for public entry. It was still fabulous to see the outside, and like you said surreal. I'd like to go back. London is so BIG and has so many things we'd still like to visit. :)
ReplyDelete