This morning, I received a phone call that a new movie THE YOUNG VICTORIA was at our local movie theatre.  I knew the film was coming, but I didn’t realize it was to be here so soon.

WELL, I jumped in the car and took off for the movie theatre.  To my surprise, the first showings today were fully booked!  So, back I went at 4:30 pm.  I WAS IN FOR A REAL SURPRISE.

From the minute the movie begins, the images are amazing.  The settings are inside all the great houses and palaces we all know throughout England.  The filming is absolutely magnificent.

For an old Anglophile, I was in a bowl of honey.  The music, the acting, the attention to historical detail are all beatifully handled.  The critics will probably say it is too sweet.  Rubbish!  It was fantastic.

DON’T MISS IT.  Check out when THE YOUNG VICTORIA is in your area.  Don’t miss it.

Wonderful!

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

From time to time, I wonder if there is anyone reading my blog.  Then, something wonderful happens which is assuring.  Throughout the blog, I have referred to my collection of  VANITY FAIR ENGRAVINGS.  A few weeks ago,  I mentioned that I was trying to acquire the two famous engravings of KING EDWARD VII.

BANG!  In this morning’s mail, I received the two engravings I was seeking.  I had received notification that one of my readers in London knew where I could find them.  So, I contacted the source.  Sure enough, this dealer in London had them.  I gave him my credit card for payment.  And then, the wait in great anticipation that the engravings were originals and in good condition as promised.

Well, I am a happy “camper” this morning.  THEY ARE FABULOUS.

The standing portrait of the King was engraved and published by VANITY FAIR as a memorial to the King who had just died.  It is a very sympathetic portrait filled with dignity and style.  Wonderful find.  Perfect condtion

The young portrait is by the famous artist SPY who worked for VANITY FAIR.  This portrait was done when Edward was Prince of Wales and before the death of his mother, Queen Victoria.  He is very much the “dandy” being stylish and self-confident.  This is a fantastic addition to my collection.

So, to my readers, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.  It is great to know that wonderful readers are enjoying my efforts on this blog.  You are great.   If you ever have questions or suggestions about London or our London flats, please email me on TMooreSr@me.com.  I will try to give my perspective.  Nice dialog.  Thanks.

I really enjoy writing this blog.  Thanks for being fun readers.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

By nature, I like to move on and forget unpleasantness from the past.  I just like to get on with things.  Like most of you, I lived through the “Diana” tragedy and heard all sides of the story.  For several years, our family has had a home located just behind Clarence House and St. James’s Palace, so we have heard more than our share of this unfortunate tragedy.  Early on, I made the decision personally that I accepted the position that “it takes two to tango.”  So, with all this story far behind us, we must learn to focus on the Prince of Wales’s continuing efforts to serve His country and represent the Queen.  I admire Prince Charles, and I support him in his many causes.  I admire him most of all for his spontaneous responses to national tragedies.  His heart beats with England.

THE SUN reported today that Prince Charles and Camilla came to a small Wiltshire town, Wooton Bassett, to personally salute and thank locals who honor fallen heroes.  The bodies of two young soldiers killed in Afghanistan were being repatriated through the Wiltshire town.

Five hundred people watched as Charles and Camilla placed wreaths in heavy snow at the town’s war memorial.  The  attached card written in Charles’s hand  said:   IN GRATEFUL AND EVERLASTING MEMORY.

The village of Wooton Bassett was in pain, and their prince felt the pulse of the town’s people.   The villagers sensed the Prince’s sincerity and warmly invited the royal couple to come in the local pub for a drink. The Prince and Camilla accepted their invitation.  No one will forget the day.  When the Prince left the pub, he said:  ”It’s nice in there.”

HIS HEART BEATS WITH ENGLAND.  I am glad the nation has given Prince Charles a second chance.  He deserves it.  Ask his sons;  they will tell you what a great guy he is.  They ought to know.

Nice.

http://londonconnection.com

It has just been announced from Buckingham Palace that a great exhibition will be held at the Palace in the Queen’s Gallery of over four hundred objects collected by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

This exhibition will have as its central display FRANZ WINTERHALTER’S portrait of the Royal Family commissioned by the Queen in 1846.  The large family portrait was intended to hang at Osborne House but was moved to Buckingham Palace after the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.

The Queen and Prince Albert attended the Royal Academy’s yearly show and bought paintings year after year for the Royal Collection.  They were avid collectors from many sources:  painters, photographers, miniaturists, sculptors, etc..

Photography fascinated the Prince.  He commissioned hundreds of photographs and was instrumental in the establishment of the PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

Four hundred items from the Royal Collection on display at one time!  Wow !   What an exhibition — not to be missed.  If you are in London between 19 March and 31 October, be sure to attend this event.

This is exciting stuff.   Many of the objects that will be on display will be intimate objects of the royal couple and will be seen by the public for the first time.  Important photographs will be  exciting, wonderful to see.

I am going for sure.  See you there.

Thanks,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

One of the most beautiful walks is along the VICTORIA EMBANKMENT to enjoy the Thames as well as the beautiful gardens and buildings.  When one passes by the Victoria Embankment Gardens one notices an Italianette facade.  I found this site while I was in London last month.  I took some photos and did my research and found that it is the YORK WATER GATE.

The YORK WATER GATE was built in 1626 for George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.  It was the formal river entrance for York House, one of the important houses along the Strand (Strand means “shore of the river”)

In 1864, during the building of the Thames Embankment, the GATE ended up landlocked where once its steps came down to the river as many people of the time continued to travel by the Thames.  Remember, the GATE was built in 1626 when river travel was quicker, more fashionable, and very popular.  People of beautiful houses along the River Thames built these beautiful GATES to add fashionable river entrances to their fine homes.

So, as you wander down the Victoria Embankment, take note of this beautiful GATE.  At one time, there were many of these gates.  Nostalgia.

Well, I am pleased to finally figure out what this structure is.  Enjoy your walk by it.  1626–imagine!

Thanks,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

My family has spent two winters in London during the past few years.  We like the theater, the music, the shopping, and the camaraderie of people enjoying their city together.  One afternoon, we decided to walk back to Trafalgar Square from the Tower of London where we were enjoying the new Jewel House.  As we walked down the Strand, we peeked through the arch of SOMERSET HOUSE and were amazed at what we saw.  The entire inner court was a skating rink with so many people enjoying themselves, skating solo, holding hands, or speed skating.  We were not dressed for this kind of fun, but we enjoyed the atmosphere for an enjoyable evening and then tucked into the heated tents to have a snack.  I sat there just amazed at the beauty of this historical setting.

In this area on the north side of the Thames, there was an important residence in Royal use since Tudor times.  Henry VIII knew a house here.  Elizabeth I lived in a house on this location while her sister Mary I was on the throne.  During her long reign, she preferred Nonesuch Palace, Greenwich, St. James’s rather than a house in this location on the banks of the Thames.  However, James I’s wife ANNE OF DENMARK was given this residence which she decorated to a high standard.  She changed the name of the house to DENMARK HOUSE.   Inigo Jones refurbished the house for Henrietta Maria in 1661.  The royal residence received aristocratic guests who came to the Banqueting House and Someset House for the royal MASQUES which were often organized and designed by Jones and Van Dyck.

Sir Christopher Wren, certainly not surprisingly, became involved in 1685 in the refurbishment of this important house.  In the 18th century, after the Restoration, this large building became more of a public building.  The building was redesigned by Sir William Chambers whose astute eye and refined taste created the buiding we see today.  The Royal Academy, the Royal Society, and the Society of Antiquaries all had headquarters here.  The GREAT EXHIBITION ROOM first presented the forerunner  of the Summer Show of the Royal Academy we have today.  I am including a wonderful photo of one of these early exhibitions in the Exhibition Room at Somerset House.

The Courtauld Galleries eventually came to Somerset House and is a major contribution to this arts complex.  Later, there were exhibitions sponsored by the Friends of The Hermitage.  I enjoyed these exhibitions over the past several years and was saddened when they concluded.  Hopefully, they will come again.

During a period of time, the STAMP OFFICE and the TAX OFFICE were in Somerset House.  But today, there are great exhibitions at Somerset House; and London visitors should check out their website which gives excellent details of these events.

Well, I strongly recommend a visit to Somerset House.  If there is not an exhibition you wish to see, at least step through the arch on the Strand to view Chambers’s beautiful facade.  It will take your breath away.  Also, when you are taking your river trip down the Thames to Greenwich, see the stunning riverside facade.  It is magnificent.  Remember, people traveled along the Thames–even house to house.  These facades were as beautiful as were the views along the Strand.

VERY BEAUTIFUL.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

King Henry VII built a chapel for the poor between 1510 and 1516 now called the QUEEN’S CHAPEL OF THE SAVOY.  This chapel is open on Tuesday and Fridays and is located on Savoy Hill.  This chapel has been made the chapel for the purposes of the members of the Royal Victorian Order conferred by the reigning monarch without ministerial advice upon those who have performed personal service for the sovereign:  her family, her viceroys, leading members of the Commonwealth.

The mantle is blue, trimmed with red and white with the Knight Grand Cross.  Queen Victoria wished to honor those who have served her in her efforts to contribute to the empire’s growth.  These days, the order has grown to such an extent that the Order has outgrown the QUEEN’S CHAPEL OF THE SAVOY, so the functions of the ORDER meet at Windsor Castle.

The chapel has been extensively restored after the bombing of World War II, but it is still a chapel of great interest.  SAVOY HILL.

I am including a photo of the Chapel, the mantle, and a wonderful photo of Queen Victoria wearing the badge of the Royal Victorian Order.   Nice.

Thanks,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

QUEEN ELIZABETH II TO ADDRESS THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon Monday welcomed the announcement that the Queen will address the UN General Assembly for the first time since her  UN visit in 1957.

The announcement from the UN said:  ”Ban looks forward to receiving Her Majesty personally on this historic occasion.”

Readers, I will follow this story and will report with the text of the Queen’s message the minute I am able to get a copy from the Palace.

The Queen at her age is still out there bringing people together about topics vital to all of us.  Amazing.   Wow!

Best wishes

T

http://www.londonconnection.com

Years ago, my father and I read BRIDESHEAD REVISTED together.  In many ways, I was too young for this complicated novel.  It was a complicated plot with layer upon layer where I could only slightly fathom some rather painful moments and themes.  But I did remember the magnificence of language and the richness of the settings.

It is a story about the decadence of a noble family between the great wars.  The indulgences of decaying aristocratic families are explored–some modern themes, some themes applicable to all of us at all times.  Lots to think about here.

Yesterday, I stumbled on the video BRIDESHEAD REVISTED at the video shop.   The words I HAVE LOST MORE THAN ONE LIFETIME still ring in my head.  I remembered those lines from my youth when my father tried to explain them to me.  When I heard MATTHEW GOODE as Charles Ryder said those lines, I had the most wonderful flashback.

I have spent a lot of time watching the film.  Emma Thomas as Lady Marchmain, Ben Whishaw as Sebastian, and Hayley Atwell as Julia were magnificent.   But Matthew Goode was superb.  He was a young man who would do about anything to be a part of a world that he could never understand or join.  HE TRIED.  HE FAILED.

The richness of settings:  Castle Howard, Venice, London–incomparable beauty.  The richness of settings, the richness of the English, and the layers and layers of human struggles created one of the most beautiful movies I have ever watched.

Matthew Goode, BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE.

I suggest a visit to the video shop to collect this beautiful movie.

Thanks,

T

http://www.londonconnection.com

Goodness!  It is 5:15 am in the morning, and I have been reading a biography of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN which I have to write about.  This patriot remains my favorite FOUNDING FATHER.  He was brilliant, witty, sly, vastly intelligdent, suspicious, and determined.  He was a philosophe and inventor at the time when such men were admired and fashionable.  Franklin’s relationships with France and England dominated his life, and he was slow to come to a desire for “revolution.”  But when he moved in that direction, his passion for freedom knew no bounds.

On the fly of the book cover, it says Franklin was at the height of his power, isolated, sabotaged by opportunists, at odds with his colleagues, preyed upon by French and British spies.  Fortunately, he was no innocent abroad;  he succeeded brilliantly.  It was in large part on account of his fame, charisma, and ingenuity that France underwrote the  American Revolution;  it was Franklin who would engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and help to negotiate the peace of 1783.  The French posting would prove the most inventive act in a life of astonishing inventions.

In December 1776, a small boat delivered an old man to France.  So begins a dazzling narrative account of Benjamin Franklin’s French mission, the most exacting–and momentous–eight years of Franklin’s life.

A GREAT IMPROVISATION is a stunning Pulitizer Prize read.  I have enjoyed my night of reading, and I urge people on this site to join me in this experience.  I was buried in this book all night, and it has been really worth it.

Thanks.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

Buckingham Palace is jubilant as Prince William returns to London after his first “tour of duty” officially representing the Queen. We predicted that PRINCE WILLIAM would do a great job fulfilling his official duties dedicating a new official building in New Zealand.  No one expected quite the success that the visit turned out to be

William has great charm, the ability to connect with people, the great dignity of his position.  The British monarchy is an amazing institution when it is capable of continually re-inventing itself.  Prince William has his Grandmother’s ear and has been trained well by her.  It is not simply that he is heir to the longest reigning monarchy in the world, William is simply a fine, decent young man.  The crowd’s adulation is well deserved.

We all predicted that William could pull it off–”just as expected.”  Kudos, Prince William.

T.

http://www.londonconnection.com

A few years ago, I was in Churchill’s bunker;   the background music was very familiar to me.  It took me a few moments to put the music and the setting together.  Then I realized it was Vera Lynn sining.  My parents were married during World War II, so they listened to the music of their times including the music which was directed toward the people in the war effort.  I remember my mother humming THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER and WE WILL MEET AGAIN.  She used to dance around the house singing DANCING THE ANNIVERSARY WALTZ WITH YOU and IT’S A LOVELY DAY TOMORROW.  Even as a very young boy, I used to enjoy being with my parents  listening to music, but especially to VERA LYNN.

Vera Lynn was the force’s “sweetheart.”  She sang the songs that nostalgic soldier boys wanted to hear.  In 1940, she started a music radio program called SINCERELY YOURS which sent out messages and music to British soldiers servig abroad.   VERA LYNN would sing the songs that were requested by the soldiers.  She had an immense impact on the forces who were homesick, wounded,  and lonely.

After the war, Queen Elizabeth and King George VI recognized her efforts whenever they could.  In 1959 Vera was given the ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.  In 2000, she was given the SPIRIT OF THE 20TH CENTURY AWARD.   Vera Lynn is still alive, in her 90′s now.  Enjoy the photo of Princess Ann The Princess Royal at St. James’s Palace where Mrs Lynn received this award from a grateful nation.

In 1976, Vera Lynn founded the BREAST CANCER RESEARCH TRUST and served as its first president.  Her autobiograhy SOME SUNNY DAY was published in 2009.   I haven’t read it yet, but it is only list.

On 13 September 2009 Dame Vera Lynn became the oldest living artist to make it to No. 1.   Her collection WE’LL MEET AGAIN; THE BEST OF VERA LYNN entered the chart at number 20 on 30 August, and then climbed to #2 the following week before reaching the top position.  In doing this, Vera beat out the re-mastered Beatles album of songs.   In its third week, the album went GOLD  with sales of over 100,000.

Go to YOU TUBE, and you can hear many of her songs.   I have her WE’LL MEET AGAIN album and love listening to it.  I play it for my grandchildren;  they think I am nuts.  But, I am working on them.  At least, I am putting the name VERA LYNN in their very modern heads.  I think I have detected a tapping foot or toe–you just can’t help it.

I remember my mother singing IT IS A SIN TO TELL A LIE.  She taught us a lesson in a sweet way.   When I listen to that song now on her WE’LL MEET AGAIN ALBUM, my nostalgic nature really takes over.  I had a wonderful mother.

WE WILL MEET AGAIN.

Hugs,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

The Queen has figured it out–and very well!  For all the years she was accused of being “out-of-touch” or “too old fashioned,” she is making up for lost time!  She certainly has “the picture” now.  I have huge respect for her.  She sizes up a situation very carefully, and then she acts.  Her timing is calculated and precise.  When she figured out what it meant to be “modern,” she did it better than anyone else– while holding on to the traditions that make her Queen of the United Kingdom.    Now she is playing her cards with a huge smile on her face.

The Queen’s confidence–and affection– in her grandson Prince William is  about to be put to the test.  She sees in Prince William a chance for the monarchy to redefine itself in a more youthful fashion.  Prince William, like his mother Diana Princess of Wales, has that immediate connection with people and has a genuine interest in programs which benefit the youth, the less fortunate, and the environment.  This attention is not just fashionable;  he is a genuinely warm-hearted young man who has the personal ability to care.  AND, he CAN make a difference.  He is the perfect person in the right place–young?  perhaps, but he can learn very fast.

The Queen sees an opportunity for her grandson to test the waters and learn the ropes.  Prince William is headed for New Zealand to his first offical visit on behalf of his grandmother, the Queen.  He will inaugurate New Zeland’s new Supreme Court Building in Wellington during three days of engagements.  You can be sure the Palace will be watching the Prince’s marketing skills.

My prediction:  A SMASHING SUCCESS !   Watch out, Folks, here comes Prince William, and I am sure he is here to stay!  And Charles?  He must be very proud of his son, and he knows he, Charles, is too English to excite the highly republican sentiments in New Zealand and Australia.  I have great respect for Prince Charles and his many public charities, and I hope he is King one day.  But, Prince William will be his best team player in these volatile years.

PRINCE WILLIAM to New Zealand !  Happy and successful sailing !!

TJM

http://www.londonconnection.com

While I was flying from London to New York, I read several articles in a publication from the magazine rack.  In one of the magazines, I read this small comic which really amused me.  I just had to pass it on to my blog readers.  I hope you enjoy it as I have.

HEADS UP!

A tour you must not miss if you are in London from 31 July until 1 September is a visit to Clarence House, the residence of Prince Charles.  The Queen Mother lived in Clarence House from 1953 until her death in 2002 at 101 years of age.  Prince Charles completely refurbished the house, keeping the ambiance the Queen Mother created here.  Five fine State Rooms are opened for this tour.

For those in London between these dates must book in advance for this visit.  Tickets can be obtained at      bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk

The visits are arranged in groups of 15 with well-informed guides.  If I am in London in August, this is the first activity I pre-arrange each year.

Enjoy.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

When I go to Kew Gardens, my purpose is to see the trees, shrubs, and annuals.  The Royal Botanic Gardens are my interest.  But, recently, Kew Palace was completely restored to its former beauty.  Last year, Prince Charles had a family dinner to celebrate the Queen’s 80th birthday.  This summer, I went to Kew to see the restoration of this historic place and found it sensitively refurbished and much like any upper-class English family’s country home.

Kew Palace was originally a 17th century Dutch-gabled country house along the River Thames.  With Buckingham House and St. James’s Palace in London, Windsor a few miles west, and Hampton Court Palace further on, it is no wonder that the Royal Family foud this small house a perfect royal retreat where they could retire in a modest and comfortable residence.  The house was originally built in 1631 when a successful Flemish merchant named Samuel Fortrey began building his three-gabled mansion originally known as Dutch House.

In the 18th century, King George II used the house as an overflow residence of the growing Georgian royal family.  In 1728, Dutch House became a royal residence when King George II–1727-1760–leased it for his three daughters.  A few years later, in 1731, the King’s son and heir, Frederick, Prince of Wales leased Kew House known as the White House which was just south of Kew Palace.  Frederick used the house as a school house for his two sons George III and his younger brother.

When Frederick’s son became George III, he purchased Kew Palace for his wife Queen Charlotte.  As the couple’s 15 children were born, the house again became an overflow housing for the Royal Family.

In 1788, George III went to Kew House as his “insanity” (porphyria) became more and more advanced.  The King’s doctors believed that the setting was best for the king’s health.  His “frightening episodes” were kept out of public view.  By 1801, the King was confined to Kew Palace.

Eventually the King and his family  between 1800 and 1810 used this quaint “palace” as a summer resident.  The Queen and her four adult daughters seemed to especially enjoy spending time here in comfortable retreat.  The princesses were aware of the latest styles and wished to keep the little palace decorated in the latest fashion.  As they worked on the little Palace during restoration, layers and layers of wallpaper were removed and kept for a record of house’s decorations.

Queen Charlotte died at Kew, sitting in her bedroom chair, on 17 November, 1818 with her son George IV at her side.  The Palace fell into disuse and althrough most of the furnishings were removed, it was otherwise left almost exactly as it was upon her death.

With tremendous support of Prince Charles, the Palace has been charmingly and accurately restored.  It is a wonderful visit.  Enjoy the photos, especially the “wax bust” of King George III.  It was a residence he loved.

An interesting note:  King George III was a careful diarist and while at Kew on the 4th of July, 1776, he wrote “NOTHING HAPPENED TODAY.”

The house is open to the public from April until October because it is not heated.

Enjoy.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

I love the old Tate on the Thames.  I walk through room after room meeting old friends on the walls.  Some of those paintings have been friends of mine since I was a young man.  What an amazing collection.

But this time, I decided to spend time in the rooms filled with the paintings from the Turner Collection.

The purpose of this posting is to urge my readers to make this visit.  I walked into the first  TURNER gallery and was absolutely overcome with the epic paintings of this amazing artist.  EPIC PAINTINGS is the only way I know how to express my feelings.

I will post a professional image of the Battle of Copenhagen which I consider one of the finest historical paintings I have ever seen.  It just knocks me out every time I see it.  On this visit, I was particularly thrilled to see it again.

I turned to the second EPIC PAINTING about the DEATH OF LORD NELSON AT THE BATLE OF TRAFALGAR.  The immense canvas is spectacular.  The intimate death scene of Lord Nelson is surrounded by massive and dramatic sails and evidence of a great battle.  I knew I had to take this photo.  I looked up, and there was the guard giving me that NO PHOTO look.  I walked away snapping my camera like a naughty boy, but I knew I wanted to share the image with my readers.  NAUGHTY.

Please don’t miss the TURNER COLLECTION at the Tate.  These paintings are simply colossal.  I love them.  Buy a post card;  don’t be naughty like I was.  BUT, YOU WILL BE TEMPTED AS I WAS.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

When I was in the QUEEN’S GALLERY at Buckingham Palace in early January, one of the guards was talking to visitors about the Queen’s jewels which are currently on display.  While he was talking, a French visitor asked the guard about the Queen’s emeralds.  He first referred the visitor to a book on the Queen’s jewels which was offered in the gift shop, but then he started to tell the story of the CAMBRIDGE AND DELHI EMERALD PARURE.  When the conversation and visit was over, I purchased the book which I have really enjoyed.  I then found a history of the Delhi Durbar which was very interesting.  What struck me was how the Queen’s jewels are so intertwined with the the country’s history.   So, let me tell you about the emerald parure.

In 1811, the Duke of Cambridge–son of King George III– won a collection of fabulous emeralds in a raffle.  His wife, Queen Mary’s Aunt Augusta, had these magnificent stones all her life until they came into the collection of Queen Mary in the early years of the 1900′s.  At the time these emeralds were inherited by Queen Mary, King George V was preparing for the Delhi Durbar in India.  As Emperor of India, George V decided to go to India to wear the new Emperor’s crown and be crowned Emperor.  At the same time, the capital of India was moved to Delhi from Calcutta.

In anticipation of this great event, new pieces of jewelry were made for Queen Mary.  The Maharajahes’s wives presented the Queen with splendid emeralds which were sent to Garrards, the Crown Jeweler in London, to make a splendid necklace/stomacher, a fabuous broach, earrings, and a choker.   The Queen’s Delhi tiara was made with diamonds from the royal collection.  But the spikes on the top of the tiara were from another source.

Queen Mary used her Cambridge Emeralds throughout the new Indian parure.  Her tiara used some of the Cambridge emeralds.  A fabulous choker was created by Garrards out of the Cambridge  Emeralds. (Later given as a wedding present to Princess Diana by the Queen).

After the Durbar in India, the Queen had added a fabulous suite of jewelry to the Queen’s personal collection of jewels:  a tiara, choker (later worn by Diana, Princess of Wales) , earrings, necklace, stomacher (made up of several broaches which could all be worn separately), broach (which Elizabeth II has never worn).

In later years, Queen Mary added one of the Culinan diamonds to the Delhi necklace.  She also purchased the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s incredible tiara after the Russian Revolution in 1918.  She took the remaining Cambridge emeralds  as a an option to the original natural baroque pearls.  The Queen wears this tiara often.

The Queen has an immense sense of history.  She wears her historic jewels on all State occasions.  They all have historic significance.  Of course they are fabulously valuable,  but for the Queen, they are symbolic of the country’s history.

I have seen many of the Queen’s jewels in different exhibitions over the years.  I will tell you about them from time to time. The jewels are beautiful, but the history to which the jewels are connected is very interesting.

I hope you enjoy this small history of the Cambridge and Delhi Emerald Parure.  I am attaching an amazing black and white photo of Queen Mary wearing her full emerald parure.  I am also attaching two images of Queen Elizabeth II at different periods of her life wearing parts of the emeralds.  Fabulous photos.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

Take a look at the most magnificent property we have ever had.

http://www.LondonConnection.com/ehouse/3-52.html

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

New Years in London is amazing.  Everyone EVERYWHERE.  Trafalgar Square is packed;  I couldn’t believe how people kept coming to join the mob celebrating New Years.    I have been in Los Angeles, New York and Paris and Rome for New Years, but those cities could not compare to London New Years Eve.

The New Years Parade was such an unexpected experience.  I am used to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, but London caught me off guard.  It was like a large hometown parade–something you would expect in a village.  It was the most charming parade I had ever viewed.

The Lord Mayor arrived at the head of the parade in his landeau and four, but after that, there was no glitz or glamor.  We smiled, laughed, enjoyed, and felt we were watching a parade from Victorian times.

The KINDNESS TO DONKEY’S CLUB came first.  The crowd clapped and enjoyed all the affection given these animals.  Amazing.  Then the RED HAT SOCIETY made their appearance.  We all tried to put together the lines of the poem–not too successful.  There were at least fifty women all in purple and red enjoying themselves immensely and entertaining us a great deal.

THE VINTAGE CYCLING CLUB made their appearance.  The classiest show in the entire parade.  It was fabulous.  There was even a miniature fire engine club.  THE SEEING EYE DOGS made their appearance with all the puppies in training for their future.  I was stunned.  It was like going to North Ogden, Utah, to see the town parade.  I LOVED IT.

I have to say, I was warmed all over.  To me, it is exactly what a parade should be.  It was a parade for the people of London, enjoying a day out, far from a very sophisticated and multicultural London.   IT WAS ENGLAND right to the ground.

I loved it.  Go, for sure, if you are in London on New Years.

Thanks,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

The Queen commissioned a portrait of her Prince of Wales grandsons in Clarence Hosue.  It is well known that the Queen and Prince William have a very caring and affectionate relationship.  The young prince has tea with the Queen once a week if they are both in the same place at the same time.  She has tutored him carefully and has helped him develop an understanding of his future role as a modern King.  The young Prince Harry has a close relationship with his grandfather, Prince Philip;  they are both rough and tough guys with a real sense of adventure.  There is no question that these two young princes are dearly loved by their doting grandparents.

It is no surprise that the Queen’s commissioned portrait is a single image of two very close brothers.  The portrait was released to the public today.  Prince William standing with his Garter Badge and his Sandhurst bandeau  positioned next to his younger  brother with his military service badges along with his Sandhurst bandeau.  A wonderful portrait captures the affection of the two princes.

When Prince William was a very young boy, he told his younger brother Harry that he wanted to be a fireman.  Harry responded that William couldn’t be a fireman–he had to be King.  That affection still lingers between the two boys who are roommates on the top floor of Clarence House, London.

They are her Majesty’s PRIDE AND JOY.

Nice

http://www.londononnection.com

People who travel know that arrivals and departures have to be organized well or a trip begins or ends in great chaos.  Five months ago, our veteran driver Maureen Walker recommended a young man–DAVID NORMAN–to take the helm of our driving services.  I met David for breakfast on a warm sunny morning in late August at Cafe Rouge in Knightsbridge.  He was eager to be THE FACE OF OUR COMPANY–the first person our clients would meet.  I knew immediately that this young man would be a great team player in our company’s operation.

Each quarter, we send out surveys to clients who have returned from their stays in our London flats.  We received comment after comment about David’s help he had provided for tired, slightly scratchy, a bit disoriented, anxious travelers who were eager to get to their new flat which they hoped lived up to their expectations.  The minute they met David as they came through Her Majesty’s Customs, they report that they felt calm and reassured. David helped with their luggage, escorted them to his new Mercedes taxi–absolutely new, and top of the line–and loaded their luggage.

Almost every client mentioned that David talked to them on their way to central London.  He spoke of historic sites they were passing as well as restaurants and stores near the flat where they were staying.  By time the taxi arrived at the property, David had called ahead to the let-in lady to see that everything was ready for his passangers.  He then made their final approach and helped the clients with their luggage.

I know he does a special job from these surveys, but I also know that people appreciate him in other ways such as generous tips and reservations for returns at the end of their holiday in London.  This driver’s superb job is appreciated by our clients and by this company.

Our family and friends returned from London two days ago after a month in London.  David returned us to the airport.  It was a very sensitive time:  record snow falls in England, all airports except Heathrow closed down, three days of waiting clients trying to catch another flight, and delays after delays.  David picked us up earlier than what would be normal and drove us through London avoiding snow-packed areas and traffic.  We got to the airport early, David loaded our luggage on trolleys, and we were first in line–perfectly organized.  There were 200 people trying to get onto our flight because of canceled flights the past three days.  Our luggage went right on, we were seated;  we saw first-hand the skillfull work of David Norman.

I know that several clients like to come in on the train.  I suppose it saves a few dollars, but it doesn’t compare to being picked up by our driver who organizes the first few hours of an arrival.  When we left London the other day, I had the deepest appreciation for this excellent driver.  I knew what a client meant when she felt that he was part of their family of three sons.

A further note.  The UK has suffered form the largest snowfall in recorded history.  People could not come into work so 40% of the London workforce stayed home.  We ourselves were caught in the storm when we were returning from our visit to Badminton House and Owlpen Manor, traveling 6 miles an hour on snowy roads.  BUT OUR DRIVER, DAVID NORMAN, CAME INTO LONDON TO STAY FOR 3 DAYS TO AVOID LEAVING OUR COMPANY’S VISITORS TO FIND THEIR OWN WAY INTO CENTRAL LONDON.  He lives outside the city with his family, right in the area of heaviest snowfall, so coming to the airport early in the mornings would have been impossible if he had stayed in the country.

THIS IS A MAN DOING HIS JOB, A REAL MEMBER OF OUR TEAM.  I just want to say THANK YOU, David.  You are a STAR, and I am grateful as are many other clients.  Our trip ended well because of your skills and judgment.

Just a fine man!

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

I wanted to share with my readers my VANITY FAIR engraving discovery.  As I have mentioned in many of these postings, I have begun to gather VANITY FAIR ENGRAVINGS.  Many of the engravings are of interest because the styles and clothing reveal a great deal about the personality of the Victorian Era.  The subject has long been forgotten.

BUT ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE, a real treasure comes along.  Storey’s Prints and Engravings on Cecil Court has been my source for these wonderful Vanity Fair engravings.

Last week, I went in to see the owner of the shop who had two wonderful engravings of Edward VII–one done when Edward was a dandy Prince of Wales in about 1870, and the other is a memorial engraving published shortly after the King’s death.  Both are beautiful.

But, as I returned home, I sat in the taxi admiring my fortunate purchase:  VANITY FAIR’S fabulous 1897 engraving of Queen Victoria riding out in her carriage–the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee portrait.  It is a stunning engraving, full of personality, charm, and endearment.  It is a real treasure and the jewel in my collection.

I wanted to share this purchase with you all.  You will enjoy it as I do.

Best,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com