Image: Suzanne Plunkett—Reuters
I've always said that I'm not a Royal Watcher but have I been lying to myself? Allow me to present the evidence: in 1981 I woke up early to watch Diana marry Charles, I traveled to Philadelphia in 2009 to view an exhibition of Princess Di's dresses and I was glued to the telly in 2009 watching William wed Kate. And, perhaps the most damning piece of evidence is my admittedly inappropriate crush on the not so much younger Prince Harry. Maybe this interest in the royal family stems from my love of pomp and circumstance and from afternoon tea to fairytale weddings, nobody presents pomp better than the Brits. In addition to the Summer 2012 Olympic Games, London will also take center stage during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. If you plan on participating in the celebration of the Her Majesty's 60 year reign as monarch, be sure to do it in style!
The Royal Horseguards Hotel
Where to Stay: Location and luxury meld together perfectly at the posh Royal Horseguards Hotel. A five star hotel with panoramic views of the River Thames, the Royal Horseguards is the perfect spot to watch the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant during which a procession of 1,000 boats from all around the world will travel down the River Thames and flank the Royal Barge which will transport the Queen. The Royal Horseguards also overlooks the iconic London Eye and is just yards away from Westminster, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and West End. Built in 1884 in the style of a French chateau, the Royal Horseguards has been completely refurbished to Victorian splendor but has all of the modern amenities required by a discerning traveler. In honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, you can enjoy up to a 30% discount on stays June 1-10 (excluding June 2-4).
The Shoes: Aruna Seth London Union Jack Wedge ($4800)
Designer Aruna Seth is a favorite of English "it" girls like Pippa Middleton and Princess Beatrice & Princess Eugenie. She designed this gorgeous limited-edition wedge covered in genuine Swarovski crystals specifically to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
The Dress: Vivienne Westwood Apron Fish Dress ($470)
This intricately pleated and folded frock shows why Dame Vivienne Westwood is British fashion royalty. I love the classic look of a crisp white dress combined with a modern cut.
