The Royal Wedding

Today was a special day - I was going to witness history in the making!!  It was Will and Kate's wedding day!  Wow, I couldn't believe that I was going to be in town for an event that was going to go on the same list as Henry VIII's several marriages, Queen Victoria's marriage to her first cousin Prince Albert (ew) and Charles and Diana's nuptials.

Like most people I had watched Prince William grow up through reading the usual women's trash mags.  We are similar in age, so it was like we grew up together!  Except he was in pictorials and I errrr wasn't.  His wedding day?  I'm gatecrashing.

Seeing all the bunting out on the street, department store displays and decorated public transport, it was hard not to feel proud of being British... or in my case feeling proud of being pseudo-British.  Also, the cheese hoarder in me was being roused out of hibernation by the displays of crass, kitschy souvenirs - I wanted them all!

Eww, my wrinkly, old woman hand.  A £2 imitation Royal Engagement ring from the ever faithful Primmy.  So many imitations for varying prices, this was the best bargain by far.  How could I say no to this bit of fun?  Well I didn't say no and I ended up buying five of them.  Gifts, of course.  I originally bought one from M&S for £18!!  It was a better finished replica than the £2 Primmy one but it didn't sit on my finger well.  

Ok so on to the actual day.  I originally had been quite prepared to head in early morning and set up a roadside camp.  However, the idea of only having a portaloo for 6 -8 hours (or no nearby loos!) was not very appealing.  Leesh had looked into several of the luncheon options offered by the opportunistic businesses around town and we settled on Altitude 360 and their Wedding Breakfast.  We were confused as to why they referred to it as a 'breakfast' when it was going to be served at lunch but this wiki entry explains the history.

Altitude was located at the top of the Millbank Tower and in the back of my head, I always thought, "Hmm that's kinda far from the action."  But with their description of being 'steps away from Westminster Abbey', I thought, "Yay!" despite knowing that 1 kilometre is hardly considered being 'steps away'.

'Breakfast' wasn't going to be served until 1pm but doors were open from 10am for the live broadcast.  My day began with a walk down the Thames. 

This giant seagull wasn't going to joining in on the celebrations. 

Not sure where this guy was going with his painting of the couple. 

Walking over Westminster Bridge and observing the slow march of people heading towards the abbey. 

Oh dammit, here I am walking away from the action! 

Our view of the abbey.  Well I guess they didn't lie.  It was a view of the abbey but just not a very useful view.  

There was an excited gasp as Kate left her hotel and we got a glimpse of the dress designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen fashion house.  Very Grace Kelly and royalty-cover-your-arms appropriate.

Will and Kate exchanging vows.  The balcony kiss.  It did feel a bit silly to photograph a TV.  

Now on to the breakfast which was based on food served at Diana and Charles' wedding.

(L-R) Home cured Scottish salmon with fennel Carpaccio.  Supreme de Voilaille Princess de Galles chicken breast stuffed with a fine lamb mousse served with spring vegetables and new potatoes.  British rhubarb trio – rhubarb crumble, rhubarb braised with orange and rhubarb with ginger ice cream.  Hedgehog slice I think. 

To be honest, the food was pretty average and not worth the price tag.  But that's what happens at events like these and I had been mentally prepared to be ripped off.  I couldn't help but think 'Is this really what they served at D&C's wedding?'  It was rather... plain!  (Arguably, that makes it British too.) 

Afterwards, we went out for a walk to Westminster and Buckingham Palace.  The crowds were still out and about and from what Smee reported, a lot of people had actually been denied access to the Royal Wedding Procession route.  Despite it looking crowded on TV, a much larger number of people had converged at Trafalgar Square (and other access points) but were not allowed entry.  Smee reported fights breaking out between frustrated members of the public trying to get in hahaha.  

Bobbies on a break from crowd control. 

Bobbies on The Mall.

Horsies on The Mall.  

Someone had to say it.  Why not put it on a poster? 

The kissing balcony.  They shortly began dismantling the decorations while we were there.  

But not before I got my pic of me displaying my ring outside Buckingham Palace!

We spotted Jane Seymour interviwing... someone.  She's looking mighty fine for a 60 year old.  

The aftermath from days of crowd camping.  

This is very considerate.  These campers left their rubbish in a nice, neat pile.  

With the party drawing to a close, I headed off home with a few extra mementos (Royal Wedding Official Program, Will & Kate flag, crown headband) and added them to my growing collection.