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WHEN WE RECEIVED AN INVITATION from their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Opera Australia at Buckingham Palace, the world stopped. All other travel plans were adjusted, and we made reservations to leave for London the weekend before the gala.
We checked into The Dorchester, an elegant, five-star hotel celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Dorchester is close to exclusive London shopping on Bond Street and Knightsbridge, and is also close to Buckingham Palace, West End theaters, the Royal Albert Hall and the National Gallery.
Our formal clothes had been shipped ahead (we always travel with just carry-on luggage) and were pressed and hanging in our suite closet when we arrived. The welcoming touches included flowers, fruit and champagne. We had a magnificent view of Hyde Park with bright green grass, pale spring-green leaves on all of the deciduous trees, pale pink blossoms on all of the fruit trees and a colorful array of daffodils and tulips springing up everywhere.
We had marvelous seats for the musical Billy Elliot, which lived up to the rave reviews. After the performance we headed to The Ivy, our favorite late-night dinner venue, and ordered their fantastic curry.
A day was set aside for shopping, leisurely walks and a marvelous lunch at The Milestone——love their salmon burgers. One evening, The Dorchester general manager Christopher Cowdray had a lovely reception and dinner for the select group he was hosting for the gala at Buckingham Palace. During the reception, Cowdray announced he might be able to arrange a very special treat. The queen happened to be attending another function in the hotel. A few minutes later, he reappeared and formally introduced Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who proceeded through the room, graciously greeting the guests.
Shortly after Her Royal Highness left, Cowdray returned with a Cheshire cat grin. “I hated to do this to
you,” he purred, “but I couldn’t help myself.” He confessed that the royal personage we had just met was a professional impostor who often portrays the queen in movies and at other events.
BEFORE LEAVING for Buckingham Palace, guests were gathered together for photographs and given the necessary information for entering the palace. Each couple was taken in a separate Rolls-Royce, which was inspected by security guards at two different checkpoints before being allowed to enter the gates. We also had to show our official passes and passports. However, once inside the gates we were welcomed with much graciousness and formality.
After ascending the grand staircase to the reception hall, we were offered elegant crystal flutes of champagne and were free to mingle with the other guests. About 15 minutes later, Prince Charles and Camilla arrived and proceeded to greet all of us individually, allowing photographs. They were warm and cordial, the perfect hosts.
Following the reception, we were invited into the palace auditorium, a gorgeous hall with marvelous acoustics. We were entertained by six of the most exquisite operatic voices imaginable, accompanied by the entire London Chamber Orchestra. After the concert, Prince Charles gave a delightful speech recounting his time as a student in Australia and his great love for their opera.
Back at The Dorchester, unwilling to call it a night in the afterglow of a truly memorable evening, we all gathered at the bar for one last glass of champagne. I had to pinch myself to believe I’d had this fabulous opportunity.
Oh, yes: The Prince Charles and Camilla we met were the real deal in the flesh.
Jeanne Jones’ Cook It Light column has more than 30 million readers worldwide.
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