I'll get straight to the point - we've had a very royal visit this week on the Isles of Scilly and I was lucky enough to be one of the small number who gathered on Old Grimsby quay to catch a glimpse of the lovely couple. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a brief visit on Friday, slightly hampered by the fog in the early morning which resulted in a quick reshuffle to their plans, and an impromptu tour the Eden Project before flying in to the island by private helicopter. They enjoyed a walk through our local and equally famous Abbey Garden before departing from Old Grimsby to motor across to St Martin's for a guided tour of the island, to then leave a couple of hours later. I managed to extend my lunchtime so that I could place myself strategically to snatch a few photos of the memorable visit. An event like this in our tiny island community is a rare and welcome highlight for visitors and locals alike. Despite our remote location we are still part of the UK after all.
This was the "crowd" awaiting the arrival of William and Kate.
Great excitement as the vehicles arrive.
We were all very British. No shouting nor pushing, we just waited and hoped to share a word. As William walked towards me I said Hello and he said Hello back. Very ordinary in our daily lives, but still a tad special when coming from a future king. Kate was chatting as she proceeded along the line of visitors and locals. The crowd was hushed, hoping to hear a snatch of her conversation. As she neared I clicked away trying to capture the perfect shot.
Close up, Kate is as beautiful as she looks in the press. Like Diana, who stood on this very same jetty 34 years ago while heavily pregnant with William, she too had the crowd hanging on her every word. They both wore the same engagement ring. I was lucky enough to be there then and here I am again now, was what went through my mind at that moment. As she turned and walked towards me I stepped forward and said "It's so lovely to meet you" to which she replied "You too".
At this stage the royal couple were heading towards the jet boat. Some children started to call out "Bye Catherine" and she turned to acknowledge them.
And off they went to St Martin's. We locals all returned to our jobs, homes and chores like any other day. The visitors had a wonderful story to add to their holiday adventures. The young royal couple hopefully had a day they might want to repeat. Perhaps with their children next time? Who knows.
Apologies to my readers who may not be fans of our Royal family. Normal service will be resumed on Wednesday.
Anna x
LOVED this post! Thanks for sharing! You took great photos! Kate looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
That's great to have your positive response Andrea. Kate did look awesome - her tiny figure in those trousers, but also her skin and hair were shining with health. She looked radiant!
DeleteAnna x
Wow! Up close and personal : ) Those "crowds" there are horrible! Such a bunch of rowdies! ; P
ReplyDeletebisous
suzanne
Hahaha! We did have a policeman in attendance to keep them under control so it wasn't too scary. We just have to hope that the experience wasn't so awful for the royal couple that it puts them off returning x
DeleteAnna
When I heard that William and Kate were going to visit the Isles of Scilly, I thought of your blog and hoped they'd visit where you are! Yay! Great photos, and I'm sure, wonderful memories. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I'm so pleased to meet you. It's great to have contact with another reader. Thanks for the comments on the photos of the royal visit. It was such a treat to be so close to them and see them so relaxed and clearly enjoying themselves. These islands are a perfect escape from the rush and tear of life and are renowned for helping to de-stress. I think they worked a dream for Will and Kate too.
DeleteAnna x
Oh, that was fun Anna! How well-behaved you British are! Kate looks beautiful and I was thinking she has to check out every angle of her outfit every time she goes out and consider the weather b/c one strong gust of wind and everything would have been on camera. So nice they make the time to visit a small island. This kind of detour from the regular posts are a fun change. I love hearing about island life!
ReplyDeleteJulia
www.whenthegirlsrule.com
Thanks so much for your positive feedback Julia. I always wonder if the entire audience will enjoy this slight detour from clothes and fashion to the other bits and pieces in my life. But at the end of the day, the blog is about island life too. Let's hope the general consensus is as positive as yours.
DeleteAnna x
Thanks Rachel, very kind x
ReplyDeleteAnna
So happy to have found your wonderful blog my dear! Judith's Hat Attack is such a beautiful way to connect and find new friends in the world!
ReplyDeleteI truly adore your blog! I can't wait to come back with more time … to relish in the vast beauty of your world!
All the Best,
Tamera Beardsley
Dear Tamera. Blogging is indeed a great way to find new friends. Likewise I need to find some time to explore your blog further. Til next time x
DeleteAnna
I am sooooo amazed by your wonderful experience! Wow, to get to meet them in person! AND you met Diana too!!! That is astounding! SUPER photos Anna!x
ReplyDeleteDearest Kezzie, I think it's all about living here that offers up these amazing opportunities. It's Duchy land after all, so Prince Charles does like to pop over to keep an eye on things I suppose. Having said that, I know how lucky I am to have been in the right place at the right time to get these shots. Thanks x
DeleteAnna