We wrapped up our four days in London in style visiting the current Royalty’s residence at Windsor Castle and a past English monarchy castle at Hampton Court.
Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth resides most of the time, about 20 miles outside of London. We found it fascinating to get a behind the scenes look at the Royal Family, seeing guest bedrooms, dining halls, and St George’s Chapel. The chapel was especially impressive, and we saw the tomb of Elizabeth’s parents (King George VI and the Queen mother). We were told the queen visits the chapel often to pay respects to her parents, especially on Thanksgiving. We were standing in the spot the queen would be at in just a few short weeks.
Windor Castle is high on a hill with a beautiful view of the English countryside. We could see why it is the Queen’s favorite residence. By contrast she calls London’s Buckingham Palace “the office”, a place she visits only for official business.
At Windsor Palace we had a closeup view of the royal guards. Their presence this day told us the Queen was on the grounds.
Next we visited a royal castle of the past, Hampton Court. This residence is known mostly for King Henry VIII and his many wives. We were told the story of King Henry VIII and his failed marriages. It was eery to be in the same hall where Kathryn Howard pleaded for her life before being executed, and where wife #2 (Anne Boleyn) danced with the King before her demise.
While not as spectacular as Windsor Castle, Hampton Court also had beautiful grounds featuring these unusual looking trees.
We finished the day by catching a train at London’s Liverpool station, packed with commuters on this Friday night. After a few anxious moments we located our train to Harwich, where we boarded a ferry to take us overnight to the Netherlands. Tomorrow we board our river cruise in Amsterdam. Our first ever visit to London was a good one, and we want to come back some day to see even more sights.
