Saturday 1 June 2013

Nigel’s VERY Special Day

Everyone has wanted so much to hear about Nigel’s visit to Buckingham Palace that we’ve decided to bring you his story in a slightly reverse order …. as we can’t wait any longer to share his story with you either ….. especially with our very dear friend Dianne in Florida who loves EVERYTHING of an English type nature and comments every day from all those 1,000’s of miles away.
120Nigel decided to stay true to his roots and travel to the Palace by underground …. and refused all talk of a limos or black cabs.
not too posh to travel on London underground He was cool as a cucumber ……
outside Buckingham Palace….. until he was actually outside the Palace waiting in the line to have his passport robustly checked by the policemen in charge of security ….
Nigel outside Buckingham Palace….. and that’s when he knees began to knock …..
30th May 2013…… as he walked through the gates,  knowing that all eyes were on him as he proceeded across the forecourt,  wondering who he was!
Buckingham palace quadrantAnd then through the large arched passage way into the quadrant. He had to pinch himself over and over again …. this was where we had all watched Kate and William draw up in their carriage on their Wedding day …. and now he was there in person…… it was all too surreal.
Buckingham Palace Garden PartyThere was another long queue to join, before actually going into the Palace, with Nigel being acutely aware that he needed to drink everything in from the carpets and curtains, to the furniture, wondering if the Queen ever London Lounged on the mahoooosive settees, waiting for one of her carriages to pick her up and to take her to the Royal Variety Performance, to the cabinets full of posh plates and ornaments  that had definitely not been collected at car boot sales.
shaking hands with Prince Andrew….. And then into the garden,  where immediately in front of him was Anne Widdecombe!  Now,  it was said that mobile phones were not to be used, however everywhere Nigel looked pictures were being taken and posed for and so he decided that perhaps it would be OK for him to have a few discrete pictures taken, without drawing attention to himself or pointing the lens at people of import.
105Nigel had never expected to be presented to Her Majesty The Queen, although we had teased him about it,  so the biggest  shock of the afternoon was when an Equerry came up to him and asked if he would like to meet Prince Andrew …. OMG!  The Equerry said that if he waited a little in the area in which he was standing that the Prince would come over and talk to him …. OMG, OMG ….. and he did! 
Royal tea TentObviously we cannot disclose what was said …. but Nigel said that the Prince had a very firm handshake and was utterly charming, funny and self depreciating, even tapping Nigel on his shoulder as he moved on!
yeoman of the guard094
Nigel also came within a whiskers breathe of The Queen,  who was wearing pink and who smiled radiantly,  Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice …… as they went to the Royal Tea Tent.
BuffetAt which point, after so much excitement Nigel decided that it might too be an opportune moment for him to avail himself of the Tea Tent ……(several times!) It was all too wonderful …. and as Nigel put it, to judge it on our Richter Scale of noms would be an insult ….. neigh …. a treasonable offence!
090It was a very special afternoon ….. with two bands filling the air with wonderful music ….. and Nigel being able to wander freely round the beautiful gardens and lake …..
May 30thIt was a day he (and we)  will never forget …… a day that only comes once in a lifetime, if you are very lucky  ….. a day to treasure ….. a day of true awe and wonder…… Nigel was truly blessed in a very Tatler magazine type way!

6 comments:

Mr.D said...

What a wonderful day. I wonder if her Maj the Queen does London Lounging on her long settees (chaise longues to her, long settee to Monkey).
Well done to you all. the chocolate looks very posh - did any find their way into anybody's pockets or Nigel's hat?

Anonymous said...

OMG OMG OMG - how VERY VERY exciting, words cannot convey how much I am enraptured by this superb detailed account of a most Royal of Garden Parties. By the end I had to use a handkerchief as I was so moved by both laughter and tears.
I am SO thrilled for you all.
JantheFan x

Anonymous said...

Oh me, Oh my! what a treat to have this wonderful album of pictures to commemorate this day!! It appears the weather cooperated and provided a beautiful day, and Her Majesty in pink...how perfect is that? It must be said: with Nigel's impeccable manners and beautifully tailored suit, he does look to be to the manor born!...a perfect guest for this royal occasion. Peter Bowles has nothing on Nigel! Lorraine's brilliant work made the day even more special. Happy sighs from this side of the Atlantic being able to see highlights of this glorious day. I know the excitement continues and you will savour the memories over and over!....Love every picture and can imagine the music.....Dianne

SeasideKaren said...

Oh what wonderful, wonderful memories you have captured. I'm surprised Prince Andrew didn't offer Nigel a place on his staff, he looks like a Royal Equerry of magnifent stature with such a very dashing outfit.
Arise Sir Nigel!

SeasideKaren said...

Oh what wonderful, wonderful memories you have captured. I'm surprised Prince Andrew didn't offer Nigel a place on his staff, he looks like a Royal Equerry of magnifent stature with such a very dashing outfit.
Arise Sir Nigel!

marc said...

we are so proud of one we say well done that man big love marc and a real big showbiz wave Hugh