s it more momentous for a Brit to do the Buckingham Palace tour than say an American or indeed any other nationality? Yes, I know that's an odd question, but if you grow up – as I did – in London back in the 1950s, getting inside Buckingham Palace was the stuff of dreams. Hence my surprise at touring BP in 2005.

This is the BACKSIDE of Buckingham Palace. Traveling Boy author John Clayton is standing on the steps into the large garden where all the prestigious Garden Parties are held. The steps are centrally located, and are below the 4 columns in the center. The tented area, so John was told, were in preparation for a Garden Party.

First up are the State Rooms which are a collection of (let me say with British under-statement) lavishly decorated public rooms where the monarch receives, rewards and entertains her subjects and, of course, others lucky enough to be invited. Maybe it's my British upbringing, but I'm not easily impressed. However, the array of sparkling candelabra, dazzling wallpapers, fine furniture and priceless works of art in these rooms, is spellbinding.

This is the Grand Staircase, and as John notes in his article, it certainly lives up to its name. It instantly reminded John of the Grand Staircase in the movie TITANIC.
Photo courtesy Visit London.

When I saw the Grand Staircase it instantly reminded me of the grand staircase in the movie TITANIC. Built between 1825 and 1830 when the palace was remodeled for King George IV, Buckingham Palace's one is, at least in my mind, THE staircase for all the ages. My imagination went into overdrive, as I visualized royal legends walking down in a slow and sophisticated stride, with the ladies capturing the attention of all with their refined and stylish gowns, dazzling jewelry and royal finery that bewitched all those present.

As you journey through this mammoth home, you might be surprised to notice the enormous number of clocks and watches. It was astonishing for me to learn that the Queen has two clockmakers on staff whose sole responsibility is to take care of a collection of over 350 watches and clocks. I kept on wondering why on earth do any of the Royals need timepieces in almost every nook and cranny? You'll also see an awesome collection of paintings by such world famous names as Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Canaletto. Their value? Beyond even contemplating, as each canvas is irreplaceable.

The ornate, luxurious Throne Room.

Just the title "The Throne Room" gives one sense that this is THE most "Royal of all royal rooms." We were advised that since these tours began in 1993, this room is far and away the favorite of all visitors. It's in this regal room that the Royal Investitures take place, as well as ceremonial receptions such as the Queen's Jubilee. If you're a "Royal Watcher" you'll instantly recognize the fact that it's THIS room's backdrop that's been utilized for some of the best known royal wedding photos – including the one in 1947 of Princess Elizabeth (now Queen) and the Duke of Edinburgh's wedding.

Here's John – backside – on his way to the nearby Gift Shop. "For someone like myself," he says, "who grew up in London where the Palace was 100% off limits and completely out of reach of ordinary citizens, it was mind boggling to A) Actually be in the Palace, and B) Even more astonishing, and even bizarre, that I could go and buy Buckingham Palace 'stuff' in their Gift Shop."

Our group of American travel journalists concluded our tour in the 39 acre garden at the back of BP, the location of The Queen's annual Garden Parties. As I thought about how it must feel to get an invitation to one of these prized functions, I noticed the Garden and Gift Shop nearby. Given where we were, I could hardly wait to get inside and "buy something royal." I got myself a classy hand towel inscribed with gold lettering "Buckingham Palace." As this maybe the only time one gets into BP, why not stock up on any of the homewares, china, clothing, kids toys, books and (of course!) postcards.

This is the exit that John and his fellow travel journalists exited the Palace. "It was surreal to walk through here, and know that on either side of me there were two of the classic looking, red tunic, black busby hat, on either side of me," says John. "It was even more dreamlike, and yes fantastic, that I was departing Buckingham Palace by way of THIS famous exit."

Below is a Schematic drawing of the Palace showing (yellow arrow) where the US media departed the Palace, and the front exit (red arrow) they came out. When Royal processions with their "Gilded carriages" return to the Palace, they come in at the center gates, and pass into the open "Square" shown here - BLUE line. "To pass, even if only for a few seconds across this area," says John, "was beyond magical and marvelous. It truly felt as if one was in a dream."

Our tour was - incredibly - given by an American lady who'd been in London for 22 years, and spent a lot of that time at BP. How extraordinary to have our tour of this most British of places, hosted by an American! I'd misplaced her card, and emailed the press office at BP asking for her name. They refused to give it to me. When this VERY lady had given us the tour, why, why on earth did the PR Office refuse to give John her name? John actually did pursue this matter, and was advised "We do not give out names of Palace personnel." Very strange indeed, when they, the PR Office, were the people who had assigned her to give the US media the tour.

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