DAY 15

Windsor. I’ve been keeping a lid on this one for a while (frankly, I didn’t want to jinx anything). Back in March, I threw a Hail Mary and emailed a representative of the Royal Trust Collection. In my family research, I discovered there was once a portrait drawn of my direct ancestor (my grandmother if you will). This portrait was by none other than the famous Tudor artist Hans Holbein (cue “House of Holbein” from Six). It’s a very detailed picture of Lady Heveningham, Mary Shelton. Remember last week, when I was in Norwich and visited all the Shelton places? Yes, that family. They were CONNECTED to the court of Henry VIII. Honestly, I never realized just how much power and influence they had until I started digging deeper. Naturally, when Henry was gone and Elizabeth I was in power, their power started to fade away, like most families at that time.

My research revealed that this portrait still existed and was part of the Royal Trust Collection. Interesting, but does that just mean it’s in a book somewhere or does the REAL piece of paper with the drawing on it actual exist. I can confirm with my own eyes that it does. And, just like the Mona Lisa, it’s much smaller in person.

I’d pretty much given up hope of seeing this piece in person until I got a reply from the curator’s office at Windsor. You see, the RTC is divided among all the Royal households. Each location has their own “library” where these pieces are stored. And the collection is vast – millions of dollars worth of artwork, artifacts and document.

On June 1, my second day in England, Alice de Quint, curator of the RTC at Windsor replied that they would be delighted to extend an invitation to me. I cried when I read this email. I was a blubbering mess actually. What the actual what? I was being invited to go to Windsor Castle to view a priceless piece of family art! After a couple of more emails back and forth and submitting necessary security information, I was on the books to visit on June 14…today!

What a way to end my journey in England. I know everyone always says the end of a vacation is bittersweet. I’m not sure how I feel right now to be honest. Maybe I just feel like I was here for the exact right amount of time. I wouldn’t do anything differently. And, I’m ready to go home. My love for England and its people is immense. My time with Helen in Norwich is unforgettable. I’m not one to throw around the word blessed, but that’s exactly how I’ve felt during these past couple of weeks. Blessed.

• Windsor Castle – I took an Uber (in fact, I’d reserved one just in case there were any problems). Sure, I could’ve taken mass transit to Windsor, but this was special and I didn’t feel like sweating first thing in the morning. As it turned out, the Castle was closed to the public today. When I arrived, I saw folks arriving to the main gate wearing dresses, fascinations and men in tail coats. Something was going on. I made my way to the press office, presented my two forms of ID and they had my pass ready. That was literally my ticket to get in. In fact, while the fancy Brits were being checked by the guards, I was waved on through (like I knew where or what I was doing…ha). I was given precise instructions on what to do once I walked through the Henry VIII gate. This is when I knew something was really up. Security was tight. The Royal Guard were there. Then I found out. Princess Anne was at the castle to perform two investiture services. One of the ladies at the archives told me, “What a lovely day for you to be here. Just wonderful.”
• Royal Trust Collection – At the door, I was met by Alice, the curator who led me through a hallway, up a staircase and down a couple more hallways. She was extremely nice and full of energy. She explained that I needed to wash my hands thoroughly before we entered the “print room”. The RCT is divided up into different rooms or wings depending on the piece. Since this portrait was drawn on paper with ink, it was considered a print. Imagine every old, quiet library you’ve ever seen in Indiana Jones or other films. This was it. Floor to ceiling bookcases, mostly protected by glass. In the room I was in, there were thousands of thin, wooden boxes that each housed specific pieces – all kept in a perfectly climate controlled environment. Alice had my place for viewing ready – a tall, leather stool next to an easel atop one of the research areas in the center. She removed a cover and there she was, Mary. It was really an emotional moment for me. It is even now as I type this because I feel like it was all a dream. Alice told me I could have as much time as I needed and I did have permission to photograph the piece itself but I couldn’t photograph the room or any other interior locations. I had to sign a waiver agreeing to the terms – it was worded such as I was signing a contract between me and King Charles III himself. Actually, I was.
• Town of Windsor – I could have easily spent a couple of days here and will when I return. Buildings I walked by were dated late 1500-early 1600s. There were cafes, shops, restaurants…and I was there early enough to not see it crowded with tourists. Such a gorgeous town!
• Prime London Hotel – I’ve grown to really love this place. If you’re coming to London, look them up and tell them I told you! Is it fancy? No. But it is exactly what I’ve needed as a home base during these last few days. I have a cozy bed, cool room (it’s been hot outside), free Wi-Fi, a fridge and all the other amenities. It’s right in the heart of Kensington, so I’ve been able to easily walk for food, the tube or bus. Being so centrally located, it was easy for me to take a bus from Windsor back here and just relax for a couple of hours after my big morning!
• Caffe Concerto – This is a chain in London (maybe elsewhere) but they did have a decent afternoon tea and I enjoyed every last bite of it! So, I’ve learned that afternoon tea is basically an entire meal: drinks, savories and sweets. You always have the option of adding Prosecco or Champagne. And I’ve always opted in favor. When in London, amirite?
• Harrod’s – This was one landmark I knew I’d regret not visiting. I mean, doesn’t everyone want an iconic hunter green Harrod’s shopping bag. I was not prepared. This store is massive and designed like a labyrinth. A very shiny, expensive labyrinth.
• Double Decker Bus – Every bus in London is double decker and the beauty of it is the cost is only £2 per ride! Best bargain of this whole trip has been riding the bus!