| The Queen divides her time between Windsor Castle, now her main residence since her 80th birthday, and Buckingham Palace, where She spends two or more working days a week including Tuesday, (when she gives her weekly audience to Her Prime minister. The number of social engagements for the Royal Family rises dramatically during June, yet their conventional working roles remain undiminished. Among Her many engagements, The Queen will give a garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Grenadier Guards, founded by King Charles II), and a reception at Windsor Castle to mark the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross, the premier decoration for valour, founded by Queen Victoria following the end of the Crimean War. The Queen's 80th birthday celebrations continue. Her Majesty attends a national service of Thanksgiving in St. Paul's Cathedral; a gala performance of the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and will be at Epsom for Derby Day. As in every year, she will host her annual house party at Windsor Castle during Royal Ascot Week and process in open carriage down the newly refurbished racecourse to the royal Enclosure. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II is remembered on 2 June, (1953). Birthdays include HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, (born 10 June, 1921); HRH Prince William of Wales, (21 June, 1982).
Outside links:
Royal Insight Monthly diary of Royal engagements
Victoria Cross History, recipients list, etc.
Grenadier Guards Official site of the Grenadier Guards, so named following their defeat of the Grenadiers of the French Imperial Guard at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
ROYAL PAGEANTRY
Knights of the Order of the Garter Investiture
Date: 19 June, 2006.
Venue: St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor.
Description: Investiture of knighthood into England's most ancient and chivalrous Order of the Garter takes place at St. George's Chapel, a Royal Peculiar and the Chapel of this ancient Order, which was constituted in 1348 by King Edward III. Preceded by a detachment of Her Majesty's red-coated silver-helmeted Life Guards, The Queen and her knights in their midnight-blue robes emblazoned with the Star of the Order and plumed hats, will process through Windsor Castle to St George's Chapel for the service of thanksgiving following the earlier investiture of HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in the Garter Throne Room. The processional route to St.George's Chapel is lined by the Queen's Yeomen of the Guard from the Tower of London, dressed in their vermilion and gold Tudor uniforms. Investiture and Chapel service are private but visitors are able to line the route within the castle on allocation of a ticket. Early arrivers gain the best vantage points.
Further Information & Tickets: Ticket applications for 2007, accompanied by SAE or International Reply Coupon should be addressed to: Lord Chamberlain's Office, St James' Palace, London SW1A 1BE. The envelope should be marked "Garter Ceremony" and arrive not later than the end of January. Successful applicants will be notified.
Getting there: Trains from London Paddington to Windsor Town Centre station, adjacent to Windsor Castle (50 minutes). The London Waterloo-Windsor Riverside train arrives close by, (40 minutes). By road, the location is between Junctions 5 and 6 of the M4.
Dress: Conservative, elegant clothing is expected. We advise taking an umbrella against the possibility of rain.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: Macdonald Castle Hotel. A onetime coaching inn with elegant Georgian frontage facing onto Windsor High Street in the shadow of the Castle. Fine dining and 3-Star four-poster-bedded comfort just a step away from your ticketed vantage point lining the processional route within the castle walls.
Related Link: St. George's Chapel Orders of Chivalry.
Trooping the Colour: the Sovereign's Birthday
Date:
Venue:Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London, SW1.
Description: The Trooping the Colour ceremony by the Massed Bands and Troops of the household Division is the most spectacularly colourful event on military pageantry in Royal London. At 10.40am the Queen processes down The Mall from Buckingham Palace in open carriage, escorted by her Household Cavalry, (the Life Guards and theBlues and Royals). She reaches Horse Guards Parade at 11am. There with her escort in attendance, she inspects her Household Regiments; the grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards, and takes the salute. Her Majesty then processes back up The Mall to Buckingham Palace where she watches a Royal Air Force fly-past from the Palace balcony at 1 pm. The parade ground ceremony is little changed since 1805 when it became an annual eventin honour of the Sovereign's birthday. Until very recently the now 80 year old Queen took the parade mounted and wearing the uniform of a regiment of her Household Foot Guards. Dress rehearsals for this event take place on the two preceding Saturdays.
Further Information & Tickets:A few tickets for seats in the Horse Guards parade ground stand are allocated by ballot, (max. two per applicant), for the rehearsals, (in which the Duke of Kent may stand in for the Queen), and the Sovereign's Parade itself. Applications for 2007 must arrive between 1 January and 1 March, 2007, accompanied by SAE and international reply coupon. Mail to: The Ticket Office, HQ, Household Division, Horse Guards, London SW1A 2AX. Enquiries tel: 020 7414 2479, Fax: 020 7414 2259. Successful applicants are notified and must confirm acceptance within 21 days. It is at this stage only that payment for tickets should be sent. Overseas visitors are required to give their arrival date and address in UK. Non-ticket holders line the processional route along The Mall.
Getting There: Nearest underground station: Westminster, (Circle & District lines) for Horse Guards Parade, Green Park, (Piccadilly line), for The Mall.
Dress: Stand ticket holders, which will include Diplomatic corps dignitaries and their spouses, will be smartly dressed. No dress code for other spectators.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: The Ritz Much patronised by Royalty since its opening in 1906, its grandiose French classical design and covered pavement arcade famously dominate Green Park and Piccadilly. The Ritz is now restored to its original decorative opulence and Beaux Arts splendour of the Louis XVI era, with de-luxe bedrooms and suites. The luxuriously elegant and spacious dining room with summer terrace provides classic cuisine and service. Afternoon tea in the Palm Court is an institution. Just minutes walk away from The Mall and Horse Guards Parade.
ART & ANTIQUES
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Date: 12 June - 20 August, 2006.
Venue: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Tel: 020 7300 8000.
Description: The Royal Academy, founded in 1768 under the patronage of King George III, is housed in Burlington House, Piccadilly, the superb Palladian edifice named after its original owner and architectural visionary, Richard Boyle, third Earl of Burlington. One of only three surviving buildings designed by him in London, (see also Westminster School and Chiswick House), this is an interesting example of the architectural style which uprooted English Baroque and established late Italian Renaissance lines as the only acceptable architecture in England by his death in 1753.
The two centuries old Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is now the world's largest contemporary art exhibition and an important showcase for emerging and revered artists to display and sell their work. Past Royal Academicians include William Blake and JMW Turner, and more recently David Hockney and Sir Peter Blake. Most works are for sale and some at very reasonable prices. The exhibition is very much a part of London's social scene and tickets to the opening private view, when you can meet some of the artists and discuss their work, are obtainable from the Special Events Manager.
Further Information: Contact at above address or telephone 020 7300 8000.
Tickets: Book online for this and other RA Shows, or buy at the door. Summer Exhibition £8, (Individual and Group Concessions). Disabled Access, (enquiries: 020 7300 5732). Open 10am-6pm everyday except Friday, (last admission to galleries 5.30pm); 10am-10pm Fridays, (last admission to galleries 9.30pm).
Getting There: Situated in London's West End on the north side of Piccadilly between Old Bond Street and Sackville Street. Nearest underground: Green Park (Piccadilly Line).
Dress: No dress code except at private views.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice:
Ascott Mayfair Hotel This 1920's art deco building combines all the comforts and amenities of home, with the range of facilities and highly personalised service of a luxury hotel. With a personal maid service the hotel ensures the very best level of guest care.
Flemings Mayfair Hotel & Apartments is just a few minutes walk from Burlington house. Across from the Ritz, in quiet Half Moon Street, Flemings is a favourite with those who enjoy old-fashioned personal service but prefer the relaxed intimacy of a quiet and luxuriously elegant Georgian house to the glitz of Louis XVI Beaux Arts decorative opulence. Room prices from £210. Fully serviced luxury apartments from £380.
The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair
Date: 15 - 21 June, 2006.
Venue: Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN
Description 92 top dealers show over £500 million worth of museum quality art and antiques for sale, in the elegant surroundings of Grosvenor House Hotel overlooking Park Lane and Hyde Park's bridle path.. First launched here in 1934, this is London's longest-established social and charity event in the antiques trade, rivaled in prestige only by the newer fair run by the British Antique Dealers' Association each March since 1993 at Duke of York Square, Chelsea. As well as English furniture, the fair is noted for fine art, ceramics, glass, chinoiserie, jewelry and garden statuary. It is honoured each year by the patronage of The Queen, who is pleased to loan rarely seen works of art from the Royal collection. A glittering Charity Gala dinner and dance with champagne reception and private preview in aid of children's cancer care will mark the social highlight of the event on 15 June.
Serious antiques seekers will also wish to visit the Olympia Summer Fine Art & Antiques Fair, from 9 - 18 June, (see also their Spring and Winter Fairs), and the Antiquarian Book Fair, 8 - 11 June, at the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
Advance Booking: Book online for your illustrated handbook, (a work of art in itself), and tickets for Preview, Gala, or Entrance online. Entrance only can also be obtained at the door.
Getting There: Nearest U stations are Marble Arch (Central Line) and Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line). Numerous buses stop in Park Lane.
Dress: This is a smart West End social event highlighted by a black tie evening attended by London glitterati.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: The Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel maintains a 70 year old tradition of Mayfair comfort, with luxuriously spacious bedrooms overlooking Hyde Park and Mayfair. The dining room and indoor swimming pool are currently closed however. Rooms from £219.
The London Marriott Grosvenor Square, now gleaming from a £multi-million refurbishment opposite the American Embassy provides a close and more luxurious alternative with truly outstanding dining on site at Gordon Ramsey's famed award-winning and remarkably reasonably priced Maze restaurant.
FESTIVALS
The Glorious 4th June; Founder's Day, Eton
Date: 3 June, 2006.
Venue: Agar's Plough, Eton college, Eton, Windsor, Berkshire,SL4 6DW
Description: The former school of Princes William and Harry celebrates the birthday of "Mad King George". The college welcomes you and tickets are not required. Be sure to see the courtyard made famous by such films as Chariots of Fire and the Madness of King George. Over 7,000 Old Etonions, their ladies, and parents of boys at the school meet on Agar's Plough field by the Thames to picnic, (Fortnum & Mason or Harrods hamper and Pimms or champagne from the boot of the Rolls, and celebrate Founder's Day to the sound of light music from a Guards Band. You should be accompanied by an Old Etonion of pupil of course, to join in the throng of City gentlemen sporting polka-dot or Old Etonion ties and squiring ladies in Gainsborough hats and pearls. In the afternoon, all gather at the riverbank to watch the Eton College Procession of Boats, to the rousing sound of the Eton Boating Song.
Further Information & tickets: The Visits Manager can provide information about visiting the school and its ancient buildings and chapel. Tel: 01753 671177; email: visits@etoncollege.org.uk
Getting There: Eton lies across a pedestrian bridge over the Thames from neighbouring Windsor. There are two rail stations: Windsor Central, (connecting London/Paddington, and Windsor & Eton riverside, (trains to London/Waterloo. If driving,Eton is located between junctions 5 and 6 of the M4. Once in Windsor follow the rolls in front to Agar's Plough.
Dress: Smart dress is suggested. Remember that "Flaming June" can also be wet and windy.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: Sir Christopher Wren's House HotelThe elegant 17th century former home of the architect of St. Paul's Cathedral. Facing Eton Bridge it offers luxury accommodation, riverside dining with terrace cocktail bar, and a spa and health club.
The Macdonald Castle Hotel. A onetime coaching inn with elegant Georgian frontage facing onto Windsor High Street in the shadow of the Castle. Fine dining and 3-Star four-poster-bedded comfort.
59th Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts
Date: 9 - 25 June, 2006.
Venue: Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SP
Description: The International Festival of Music was founded in 1948 by composer Benjamin Britten, singer Peter Pears and writer producer Eric Crozier in the small Suffolk fishing village of Aldeburgh. The scope and international fame of the festival expanded rapidly and in 1967 the Queen opened a new festival concert hall converted from a mailings inland at Snape. Today the festival is run by Aldeburgh Productions Ltd., as part of a year long musical programme. It brings together artists from all over the world to create and perform classical, folk and jazz music and modern opera before an international, musically sophisticated, audience.
Further Information & tickets: Contact Aldeburgh Festival, High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5AX; tel: 01728 453 543; fax: 01728 452 715. Box Office tel: 01728 687110; fax: 01728 687120; email: enquiries@aldeburghfestivals.org Book online or by email to Boxoffice@aldeburgh.co.uk or call 01728 687110.
Getting There: From London take the A12, direction Lowestoft. Turn off at Friday Street on the A1094.
Dress: Normal smart theatre or concert clothing.
Accommodation: An excellent list of Suffolk country hotels, guest houses, (including Britten's former home), and restaurants in the area has been compiled by the festival organisers and is available online at the Festival website.
EQUESTRIAN EVENTS
Bramham Horse Trials
Date: 6 - 9 June, 2002.
Venue: Bramham Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire
WHAT IT IS: An important marker on the equestrian calendar
that qualifies successful riders for the season's final at Burghley in September. The trials test dressage (a horse and rider's ability to work together),
a steeplechase race, a cross-country obstacle course, and show-jumping. You will also see Britain's top show-jumpers and their horses competing for large cash prizes.
Further Information & Tickets: Contact the Estate Office, Bramham Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 6ND; tel: 01937 846005;
fax: 01937 846006; email: info@bramham-horse.co.uk. For tickets, write in advance to the organisers at the above address, enclosing am SAE; or call 01937 844265. Advance tickets for the whole four days cost around £25; for about £10 more, you can take out membership, which entitles you to admission to the members' enclosure, a member's car pass, admission on all four days plus the option to buy up to two guest badges at a reduced cost.
Getting there: Bramham Park lies just off the Al Great North Road, five miles south of Wetherby in West Yorkshire. Leeds is 10 miles away, and York, 15 miles.
Dress: Smart country casual.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: Two magnificent hotels that gain the Britannia accolade for 'Courtesy, Comfort and Cuisine'.
Hazlewood Castle Country House Hotel Historic castle and manor house lovingly restored to offer state of the art hospitalitiy and fine dining with a French Mediterranean flavour. A superb hotel for any occasion.Wood Hall Country House Hotel. A stately country house from another age, set in breathtaking Yorkshire countryside. Its 4-Star facilities include indoor swimming pool and spa.
Royal Ascot
Date: 20 - 24 june, 2006.
Venue:
Description: Unbeatable racing in the Turf's most elegant thoroughbred surroundings, now upgraded and refurbished by The Queen, (Ascot racecourse has been owned by the Sovereign since the time of the Stuarts and racing enthusiast Queen Anne). The Queen and members of the Royal Family attend the meeting, arriving each day before the first race in open carriages drawn by Windsor greys, driving from the castle onto the course and processing to the Royal Box in the main stand. Between races The Queen and family mingle with the jockeys and their mounts in the paddock. If you are fortunate, you may have been invited to join the Queen's Windsor Castle house party for the week. The Royal Enclosure, is the place to be, and be seen. Located in the Premier Admission area of the Racecourse, it is an integral and historic part of the tradition of Royal Ascot dating back to the Prince Regent. Gold Cup Day, 22 June is Ladies Day and will be watched closely by fashion editors around the world. Fashion colour tip for Ladies Day 2006: Expect to see The Queen wearing shades of purple.
Further Information & tickets: Access to the Royal Enclosure is restricted to those who have either attended the Royal Enclosure in previous years or have been nominated by an existing badge holder. First time applicants must be nominated by a person who has been a badge holder for at least four years. There are however excellent facilities in the slightly less formal Silver Ring for those denied entry to the Royal Enclosure, though advance booking is necessary for this major social and sporting event. Book tickets online.
Getting There: Ascot is 45 miles from London and approachable from the M4 via A332, (junction 6),or from the M3 via A332, (junction 3). Trains arrive at Ascot from London/Waterloo.
Dress: Morning Dress and hat is obligatory in the Royal Enclosure and Ladies Day millinary, a matter of high fashion and reputation. Overseas visitors may wear ethnic formal or Service Dress. Moss Bros has a bespoke Ascot hire collection. Dress in the Silver Ring is less formal though smart, and dress restrictions apply.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: Cliveden House Hotel. Live it up in the lap of 5-Star luxury asnd spend your Gold Cup winnings in exclusive company at this magnificent hotel. If you need to ask the price of a room, you probably can't afford it.
AGRICULTURAL SHOWS
The Royal Cornwall Show
Date: 8 - 10 June, 2006.
Venue: The Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7JE
Description: The Royal Cornwall, which goes back to 1793, is the West Country's major agricultural fair, which also serves as a trade show, a family event and a place to spot Royalty and the nobility. The event's Patron, The Queen, has been known to visit the show on the opening day, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of Cornwall and the Duke of Gloucester are also visitors. Spectacular highlight this year will be a colouful pageant performed each day by the Light Cavalry of the Honorable Artillary Company, Pikemen and Musketeers from the City of London.
Further Information & Tickets: Write to Christopher Riddle, Secretary, Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, The Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7JE; tel: 01208 812183; fax: 01208 812713; email: rcaa@btinternet.com. Full Day tickets cost £12. Order online before 3 June or buy at the gate. Wheelchair accessible and facilities.
Getting there: The showground is 1.5 miles west of Wadebridge, North Cornwall, on the A39, and is signposted from main routes. Car parking is free. Bodmin Parkway is the nearest train station, and Newquay the nearest airport.
Dress: Smart country outfits.
Accommodation: St. Petroc's Hotel Chef Rick Stein's small comfortable hotel above his world famous seafood restaurant overlooking the quay at Padstow, the exquisitely picturesque Cornish fishing village on the Camel estuary 10 miles from the showground. Room prices with breakfast from £160. If you like your seafood, it can't get any better than this.
The Three Counties Show
Date: 16 - 18 June, 2006.
Venue: The Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW
Description: Run by the 200-year-old Three Counties Agricultural Society, this is one of England's most respected rural shows, attracting pedigree livestock and their bucolic owners. The Society also runs a prestigious RHS Spring Gardening Show (May), Championship Dog Show (second week June), and an Autumn Garden & Country Show, (September) at their Great Malvern Showground on the borders of Hereford, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
Further Information & Tickets: Write to the organisers at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW; tel: 01684 584900; fax: 01684 584910; email: info@threecounties.co.uk. Book online.
Society membership, (£30), gains you discounted entry to all shows, admission to Grandstand South wing (bar and buffet), and Members' Pavilion. Check website for details.
Getting There: The showground lies just south of Great Malvern, between Cheltenham and Worcester, 8 miles from the M5 and M50 (leave at junction 2) motorways. Connecting bus service from Great Malvern railway station.
Dress: Members will be tweedy smart. You may wish to dress accordingly.
Travelsleuth Accommodation Choice: Wyche Keep. A remarkable family-run country house built in rustic arts-&-crafts castle-style by the family of Sir Stanley Baldwin (Prime Minister during the Edward VIII abdication crisis). The house is just a mile or two from the showground and enjoys spectacular 60-mile views from its perch on the Malvern Hills. Elegantly cosy bedroom suites, memorable four-course candlelit dinners, bar facilities, log fires and a counmtrified house-party atmosphere earn this the Britannia accolade for 'Courtesy, Comfort and Cuisine'. From £35 pp inc. breakfast.
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