Visiting Royal Britain

You may have noticed my (terrible) lack of posting over the past month, but I assure you I have a very good reason for it – I was on a business trip in Britain for three weeks! While traveling throughout England and Wales I uncovered royal touches in the most unexpected places. Yes, I popped by Buckingham Palace (okay, more than once), and hit Kensington Palace when I was there a few months back, but there is so much more to “royal Britain” than the obvious attractions.

I could go on for ages about planning your perfect trip to Britain and where to rock your invisible crown, but I neither have that time nor would you read that much. So here’s the plan, I am introducing a new monthly series on the topic. First up, my own personal experiences and insider tips from my most recent hops across the pond.

Always be on the lookout – royal mentions can pop up in the most unlikely of places

We are all well aware of how many openings and commemorative celebrations the royal family attends in England, Wales and Scotland, but once the hour has passed, do we really remember every single center opened, hospital wing visited or hotel stayed in? Well, most of those places are happy to tout their royal visitors, and chances are, you might stumble upon a fun photo opp!

When visiting the Parc y Scarlets rugby stadium in Llanelli, Wales, the legendary Phil Bennett showed off his suite, featuring a photo of him with a young, dapper Prince Charles.

In Portmeirion Village, AKA the most adorable/unique/beautiful place to visit, I sat in the exact spot in the golf cart that Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall sat in on their visit… #dorkalert

I obviously had to pose with the plaque at the Bodnant Food Centre (#nomnomnom), commemorating when Prince Charles and Camilla opened the site in 2012.

Visit Shops Boasting Royal Warrants

Popping into a place that holds a Royal Warrant is an easy to way to “feel the regal.” When you step into a place that has a personal seal of approval, you truly feel like you’re a part of something special. My favorite place to do this? Fortnum and Mason.

On my final day, I enjoyed a pot of “Jubilee Tea” before heading off to Heathrow… I may or may not have bought a box of “Royal Tea” to bring home.

Check back next month for the next installment of “Visiting Royal Britain!” In the meantime, get vacation planning already, would ya?

Getting into the Diamond Jubilee Spirit

The big weekend is upon us and I could not be more excited! Oh wait, I could..if I were in London instead of in New Jersey, home, sick.

So, while I sit and watch the coverage from across the pond, eating my Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee edition, chocolate dipped biscuits from a tin that plays “God Save the Queen,” I share with you some of my favorite Jubilee inspired campaigns of the week.

Virgin Atlantic’s #UnionJackSquare 

If I were not sick/had my sister’s graduation party to attend, this is where I would be for the Jubilee weekend. Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic are helping Anglophiles get into the spirit by taking over New York City’s Union Square. Branson initiated a Twitter campaign to get Mayor Mike Bloomberg to rename the famous park to “Union Jack Square” in honor of the British celebrations. The party will go on regardless of the outcome of our pleas – Virgin is going all out to make New Yorkers feel the Union Jack love. From 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Virgin cabin crew and Foot Guards will be on hand to interact with guests and even perform the traditional changing of the guard. Think you have what it takes to make the infamously serious guards laugh? You’ll be entered to win 20 round-trip tickets from New York to London. Bloody brilliant, Branson!

Marriott International – Corgi Cocktail

If you happen to be visiting the right side of the pond on June 4th and staying at a UK Marriott International Hotel, you’re in for a good time! Marriott is offering complimentary “The Corgi” to those named Elizabeth or those born in 1952 – the year Her Majesty ascended to the throne. The unique drink is made from Hendricks gin, elderflower liqueur, blackberries, raspberries, fresh lime and mint and will be served by bartenders in fashion-forward Union Jack garb. Not named Elizabeth or born in 1952? The drink can be purchased for  £7.50. Bottoms up, Brits!

Red, White..and Tower Bridge!

Press Association, Daily Mail

 One of London’s most iconic landmarks is all lit up for Her Majesty’s big party in red, white and blue. The Tower Bridge, decked with 3,800 LED lights, will glow a diamond white for the celebrations, including the pageant on the River Thames on Sunday. Absolutely stunning!

And if you haven’t seen Heathrow Airport’s Royal Runway yet..check out my post from last week! It’s absolutely amazing.

Happy Celebrating!