Royal Fascination

Windsor Castle

I don’t know about you but I can’t get enough of England’s royal family these days. Everywhere you turn there’s another image, clip or sound bite of William and Kate. And the world’s just gearing up since their spring nuptials are nearly five months away. Everyone loves fairy tales, and isn’t that what the House of Windsor provides?

Windsor Castle Norman Gateway

The stories wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if they were about perfect people that lead perfect lives. That’s exactly what makes these royals so real, dare I say so relatable? Of course we poured our hearts out for Princess Diana and all the seemingly insurmountable challenges she faced during her life. And who didn’t shed a tear when she met her tragic demise?

But if you really want to embrace a royal story that you can relate to, go see “The King’s Speech,” a feature film that was released nationwide a week or so ago. I was lucky enough to see it in Telluride over Labor Day weekend when it was shown at the Telluride Film Festival. (Yes, like many other films, it actually came here before the Toronto Film Festival.) It deeply moved me not only for its superb depiction of the royal family (indeed, I love all the accoutrements of such elegant lives) but more importantly, for its gripping portrayal of a flawed man who had to become king. It’s clear that the Duke of York, played by Colin Firth (who received a special tribute at the Telluride Film Festival this year), never wanted to become king. But he was forced to step up to this enormous responsibility when his brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated to marry Wallace Simpson, the American divorcée. Assuming this position would be daunting to even the most carefully prepared heir to the throne, but downright frightening for someone that suffered from stuttering. Remember this was the golden age of the radio and speeches needed to be eloquently delivered. Ah, fairy tales always have their twists and turns.

In comes Geoffrey Rush who plays Lionel Logue, an Australian that introduces all kinds of unconventional therapies to Bertie (as the Duke of York is affectionately called) to help him conquer his stammering. The story is beautifully pieced together by writer, David Seidler, whom I met at the festival. David first became interested in the travails of King George VI when he was in college (many years ago since he’s now seventy-something). David stuttered and stammered throughout much of his young life as well. He entered into contact with the Logue family to flesh out the extraordinary relationship that had existed between Bertie and Lionel Logue until his story became complete. One thing remained: David had to dutifully obtain the permission of the Queen Mother (Bertie’s wife and Queen Elizabeth’s Mum) to tell the story. Permission was granted, provided that it would not be told until she passed. (The poor soul surely experienced much upset over her beloved’s speech difficulties.) And as David declared upon presenting the film at the festival, “Never did I imagine that the Queen Mother would live to such a ripe old age.” Well, it was worth the wait, David, since I think this is a marvelous story and a stunning film on many levels.

All this makes me want to pack my bags and head to England. I still have the painted biscuit tin that I picked up over there when Diana and Charles were married. Their regal faces gaze back at me daily when I peek inside for a spot of tea. I can only imagine the plethora of souvenirs they’ll be selling for Kate and William’s big day.

The Lovely Town of Windsor

I’ve been to London but never to Windsor, a must on any self-respecting royal watcher’s program. I’ve done my research though. Yes, the trip planning has begun. A pilgrimage to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen, is of the first order. It seems that the Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel & Spa is the place to stay, too. Indeed. There I’d surely be treated like royalty. And a visit to the castle is just a short trot away.

Thank God for fairy tales.

Royal Country Digs at the Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel & Spa

All kinds of wonderful visits are offered at Windsor Castle including a Great Kitchen Tour and an exclusive Evening Tour. You can find out about all at The Royal Collection. Best to reserve in advance.

Click here to visit The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s official tourist information site.

Royal treatment to me usually includes pampering of some sort. You may indulge in the best of its kind at the luxury spa at Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel & Spa, the nec plus ultra of Windsor. A stay here would be ideal; otherwise book ahead to experience their spa, a fine meal at Strok’s, their signature restaurant. Or if you’re in Windsor the first Sunday of the month, enjoy their Bubbles with Jazz brunch, a three-course traditional Sunday lunch menu with free flowing bubbly and a jazz trio. You may also call this fine property to find out more:  44 (0) 1753 861354.

Thank you to The Royal Collection and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the use of the above photos of Windsor Castle. Peter Packer is credited with the top image, Philip Craven with the other castle view. Thank you also to the Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel & Spa for the use of the other images.

Sir Christopher Wren’s House Spa: My Idea of Royal Treatment