Happy 31st Birthday Prince Harry!

It’s the best day of the year – Prince Harry’s birthday! Why is this the best day of the year? Well, for starters we get to celebrate Harry all day long and not be judged for it (because apparently celebrating some guy you don’t know the other 364 days of the year isn’t totally sane.. #debatable). Secondly, Harry’s birthday is the only other birthday other than my own that I get a present to. And by “present” I mean the gift of Harry’s life.

Okay, I *may* be taking this a little too far…

Bonus round: His birthday is made even better this year as he returns to public engagements after he spent the summer in Africa saving wild life and being an all-around baller prince. HRH is in Sussex today for a Battle of Britain flypast, that’s right – he’s taking to the skies. And after Harry the birthday aviator calls it a day, we have a month of Rugby World Cup engagements and a trip to America to look forward to. Hazza, you are just the gift that keeps on giving..

Hip Hip for Harry! Hope you have the happiest birthday ever. XOXO

63 Reasons Why Queen Elizabeth II is an Absolute Legend..

…and we are all just mere mortals.

By now it is no secret that Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest reigning monarch today, September 9, 2015, at approximately 5:30pm (GMT). After living life in the public eye since she was born in 1926 and as of today, has reigned for approximately 23,226 days, 16 hours and 30 minutes, we certainly know quite a lot about Her Majesty. However, no good icon would live up their status without a few mysteries, and The Queen is no different. In honor of her 63 + years on the throne, here are 63 Reasons Why Queen Elizabeth II is an absolute legend.

1. She doesn’t need a passport..because she issues them.
2. She drives a Range Rover… #cargoals.
3. She has her own bagpiper. #lifegoals #myfavoritesound
4. She worked as a mechanic during World War II
5. 12 Prime Ministers have come for audiences during her 63 years
6. She is patron of over 600 charities
7. Her house has its own post office..and atm
8. She has official residences in more than one country
9. As of 2012, she answered more than 3.5 million pieces of correspondence
10. Someone once gifted her an elephant
11. She has launched 21 ships during her reign 23 in lifetime
12. She sent a tweet in 2014 and broke all kinds of records #canigetafavorite #followback
13. She has two birthdays. Her real day of birth, and her official celebration.
14. She has 30 godchildren
15. During her Silver Jubilee she toured 36 countries in a year #frequentfliermilegoals
16. She introduced a new breed of dog.. my sister is still trying to convince my parents to buy her one at the age of 25.
17. She counts President George H.W. Bush as a personal friend, and he is her favorite president – MINE TOO. Well, the favorite prez thing, we are not BFF.
18. She introduced the first royal walkabout in New Zealand in 1970. Imagine what we would do without royal walkaboats?!
19. She was the first British monarch to visit China
20. She sent her first email 1976 from an army base. Pretty sure I sent mine in between games of the Sims and Minesweeper from my living room.
21. She received a pope john Paul II in 1982, making her the first monarch to revive a pope in 450 years
22. She has about 25 horses training every season. I don’t even have my “My Little Pony” collection now
23. She launched Buckingham Palace’s official website in 1997. I was busy waiting in line for *NSYNC tickets
24. She hosted the first women’s only event at Buckingham Palace. Who run the world? Queen Beyonce WHO? We have a real Queen here.
25. She invited the West End musical Les Miserables to perform at Windsor Castle. I can’t eveng get tickets to see The Audience on Broadway..
26. Her coronation was the first major international event broadcasted on TV
27. She had 100 new custom made outfits for her first Commonwealth tour
28. Her horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup on Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in 2013, making her the first ruuling monarch in the event’s history to win
29. She technically owns dolphins. When I was younger, I used to ask for a dolphin as a pet and didn’t understand why we couldn’t keep one in our pool…
30. She joined Facebook in 2005. I wasn’t allowed to join until I had my college email addressed confirmed in 2006.
31. The Queen, along with Prince Philip, became the first ruling monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary
32. In an average year she welcomes approximately 50,000 people to Buckingham Palace.
33. She has sent than 45,000 Christmas cards during her reign. My family Christmas card is hanging in the local pizza place. (Hi Nunzio’s!)
34. She drinks a cup of tea every day at 7:30 am. Just like my mom!
35. According to her cousin Margaret Rhodes, her alcohol intake never varies. Ah, if only everyone had the much control.. #college
36. Her Majesty’s daily drink schedule technically makes her a binge drinker by government standards.
37. She learned to drive when she joined the army
38. Her message to Apollo 11 astronauts was literally placed on the moon
39. She has owned more than 30 corgi
40. She introduced theme days to celebrate British cultur
41. She once demoted a footman for giving her corgis whisky.. can I have this kind of power please
42. She collected clothing coupons for her wedding dres
43. She gets a gun salute and a fly past for her birthday party
44. She has given assent to more than 3,500 acts of parliament
45. She owns every breeding pair of mute swans in Britain
46. She has seen 6 Archbishops of Canterbury
47. She’s an Arsenal fan. YES
48. According to her grandsons, Ali G gives her the giggles
49. She talks with her hands. I get crap for this all the time, especially since I’m not Italian. I bet she doesn’t. 
50. SHE IS ON THE MONEY
51. She was the first British monarch to visit Republic of Ireland since Irish independenc
52. She has done a Christmas message every year except for 1969. We send Christmas texts
53. She likes Scottish country dancing. QEII, I challenge you to a duel on Just Dance
54. Despite her status, she snuck out and celebrated VE Day with the London crowd
55. She has NINE Royal thrones. I have to call “fives” every time I vacate my seat at a family part
56. She is apparently very good at impressions
57. She apparently excels at solitaire. It is my life goal to win a game
58. About 1,200 people work royal household.. can I just get a cleaning lady please?
59. She loves Downton Abbey. AKA – she’s just like us! #doyouthinkshecriedwhenmatthewdied
60. People fall at her feet, literally. I mean, have you seen Margaret Thatcher’s curtsy
61. She doesn’t have to pay taxes, but she does anyway
62. She has sat for about 130 portraits
63. She is the longest reigning British monarch. Case. Closed.

..and that’s not even the HALF of it. 

Congratulations Your Majesty, you are an inspiration and a legend. We’re all just lucky to be around for the ride…

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

 

Reigning Wisdom

There is a lot of talk happening at the moment about Queen Elizabeth II, her life, her reign, her greatest moments, and of course, how it all stacks up against Queen Victoria, whom she will surpass as Britain’s longest reigning monarch on Wednesday. Yes, there are quite a lot of similarities and much room for comparison – both not destined to be monarch at birth yet taking on the title at a young age, both have been a steady presence through trying times, both have faced tragedy and most of all, both have inspired despite all of the difficult moments and questionable times throughout their respective reigns.

Monarchs are a beacon of hope, and both longest reigning queens have had their fair share of  inspirational moments. By now you should all know that I’m a sucker for a good quote and I couldn’t think of a better way to demonstrate just how inspirational both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II have been.

Queen Victoria

“The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them.”

“We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.”

 

 “Do not let your feelings of momentary irritation and discomfort be seen by others. Don’t let every little feeling be seen on your face or read in your manner.”

“I never imagined that I should find so much love on Earth…” – Queen Victoria on Prince Albert… GOALS.

Queen Elizabeth II

“I have to be seen to be believed.”  – on wearing bright colors – STYLE icon.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”  

“It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult.”

 “Peace and goodwill have lasting power in the hearts of men and women.”

Let’s be honest, I could go on for 63 years about the ways these two women have inspired not only their realm, but the world. But, it’s Friday of a holiday weekend here (better known as a bank holiday to my British friends), and it’s time for a gin and tonic.. just as The Queen would command!

Beloved Royal Residences from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II

In case you’ve been living under a rock (a very large rock), you will know that next Wednesday, one week from today, marks the date Queen Elizabeth II will surpass Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest reigning monarch. And unless you’ve been living under an even bigger rock (the biggest one that’s ever existed), you will know that a lot has changed in Britain since Queen Victoria reigned. Something that has remained a constant, however, are the majestic residences the royals call “home.” With the help of VisitBritain, what better time to take drool over some of these iconic residences?

If you have ever been to Britain, chances are you have popped by to say hello at one of the famous royal residences across England and Scotland (okay, not really, you can’t actually go inside and talk to The Queen when you visit). In fact, forty-eight percent of all holiday visitors to Britain visit a castle or stately home during their visit.

The Evolution of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, via VisitBritain Images

It was recently announced that Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s official residence in London, would be undergoing some much needed renovations. Makes sense given that Buckingham Palace was originally the home of the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and Queen Victoria moved in when she took the throne more than a century later. Wouldn’t it be amazing if HGTV could get the rights to this for an episode of House Hunters International? Hello, the monarchy? This needs to happen.

As the first resident of Buckingham Palace, Queen Victoria made several renovations that transformed the palace into the icon the world knows today. Perhaps the largest of which being the addition of the balcony that has seen countless appearances by the Royal Family – from weddings to jubilees and everything in between –  since the first one took place in 1851. Us royal watchers LOVE a good balcony appearance.

Balmoral Castle – AKA, Heaven in The Highlands

Balmoral Castle – VisitBritain Blog

Balmoral Castle, which Queen Victoria once dubbed, “my dear paradise in the highlands,”  and it is so easy to say why. Beautiful castle in one of the most serene areas of the UK? Sign me up please! Which is exactly what The Queen did, as she and her family use it as their summer retreat. Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 (the best thing a guy ever bought for me was pizza). The  grounds, gardens and Castle Ballroom are open for visitors April through the end of July annually. Get up there, it’ll be worth it!

Forever Victoria’s Home

Kensington Palace, via Keep Calm and Harry On

Kensington Palace – where does one begin? I LOVE this place. Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace on May 24, 1819 and it has remained a treasured royal residence since. The State Rooms opened to the public on The Queen’s birthday in 1899 – what a good queen, giving unto others on her special day! Many years and many visitors have passed since then, yet Kensington Palace has remained in the spotlight as a home for the royal family. Among many other royals, Prince William and Prince Harry were raised within the palace walls and still live there to this day, with The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cambridge calling it their official London residence with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.  Can’t wait to call it home when I marry Prince Harry.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Britain in the coming weeks, be sure to stop by Windsor Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace to see a special exhibition put on by The Royal Collection Trust, ‘Long To Reign Over Us’, showcasing official photographs capturing Her Majesty undertaking visits in the UK and across the Commonwealth and informal family moments from 1952 to present day.