Wine With Wanda

London Calling: Celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in Style!

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.

 

A Royal Getaway: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Apart from my inappropriate crush on Prince Harry, I am not a huge Royal watcher but I do love some pomp & circumstance and nobody does that better than England. Did you know that 2012 marks 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign? The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will center around an extended weekend in England from June 2–5, 2012 but there are plenty of activities happening throughout the year. If England is on your travel itinerary, here are a few Diamond Jubilee events you may want to check out. 

Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant 
Sunday, June 3
A procession of 1,000 boats will travel down the River Thames, from Battersea to Tower Bridge, flanking the Royal Barge which will transport the Queen. The procession, which will include vessels of all shapes and sizes from around the world is expected to be the biggest televised event ever to take place.

Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years - The Drawings Gallery, Windsor Castle
Opening on February 4. Open until January 2013.
An exhibition of 60 photographs of The Queen, including the work of leading press photographers of the past six decades, will go on display at Windsor Castle. The exhibition presents a portrait of The Queen’s reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings.

The Wild, the Beautiful and the Damned at Hampton Court Palace
April 5 –September 30, 2012
This royal-themed exhibition tells a story about the fascination of love, glamour, celebrity, lust and power and involves some of the key characters that lived, loved and died at Hampton Court Palace – Charles II, James II, William III & Queen Mary II and Queen Anne. This temporary exhibition will contain magnificent artworks to reveal the stories and scandals, and will include items from the Royal Collection and other public and private collections, many of which are not currently on display.

The World Comes to Windsor Castle
May 10, 11, 13
Held on the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Diamond Jubilee Pageant will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign in a performance that brings together over 500 horses and 800 international performers, dance, music, military and equestrian displays from around the world.

A Capital Celebration – London’s Exhibitions
In addition to the river pageant, London will be host to several exhibitions on the Royal Family and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Showing at the V&A from February 8 – April 22, Cecil Beacon’s Royal Portraits will include 60 photographs depicting the Royal Family at home and on official occasions. A new permanent exhibition opening at Kensington Palace on March 26, Victoria Revealed, will look at the life and reign of Queen Victoria – England’s longest-reigning monarch - while Tower Bridge will be re-presenting the Crown Jewels exhibition for the Jubilee year, with new displays showing the jewels like never before.

For more information on the many Jubilee events in England, visit www.visitengland.com/jubilee.

 

And The Bride Wore Alexander McQueen: Congratulations Prince William & Catherine

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Raise Your Glass: The Drambuie English Rose - Royal Wedding Cocktail

Am I the only one feeling a tad worn out by all of the Royal Wedding hoopla? Prince William and Kate Middleton make a lovely couple, and I wish them every happiness, but I have no plans to rise at the crack of dawn to watch the wedding. However, as a dressaholic, I will confess to being very curious about Miss Middleton's wedding gown and this princess looks forward to seeing those images once I awake from my beauty sleep.

For the past few weeks my e-mail has been flooded with all manners of Royal Wedding pitches. Some were cute, many were cheesy, and others just plain confusing. So, it was refreshing to receive information about The English Rose Royal Wedding Cocktail featuring Drambuie.

 
Created in honor of Kate Middleton and named for the key ingredient, rosewater, the cocktail's starring liqueur is Drambuie. A historical Scottish liqueur, DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland. In addition, Prince William and Kate were educated at St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. 
Drambuie is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices - a recipe kept secret since 1745. From the Gaelic “an dram buidheach” – the drink that satisfies, DRAMBUIE can be served on the rocks, in classic cocktails such as the Rusty Nail, or in more contemporary long drinks such as the DRAMBUIE and Soda.

Whether you want to raise your glass to toast the royal nuptials or if you just want a swanky cocktail to cope with the frenzy, The English Rose is a fitting choice. Cheers!

The Drambuie English Rose Cocktail

In a Champagne flute, add:

      1 Sugar Cube

      3 drops Orange Bitters

      1 oz. DRAMBUIE

Slowly top with:

      4 oz. chilled Blanc de Noirs Champagne

      Splash Campari

      3 drops Rosewater

Garnish with a thinly-sliced strawberry fanned and floated on top.

 

 

Kate Middleton Wears Black to a Wedding: Fashion Faux Pas or Simply Chic?

Poor, Kate Middleton. She hasn't even married Prince William yet but her honeymoon with the media may be over. Often admired for her tasteful and elegant sartorial sense, Ms. Middleton has the fashion police verklempt with her decision to wear a black dress and coat by Libelula to the wedding of royal friends Harry Aubrey-Fletcher and (Louise) Sarah Stourton. She did, however, add a playful punch of purple to her ensemble with her fabulous heels and clutch. And, I think the black pillbox hot is sublime. What do you think? Was Ms. Middleton's black outfit a fashion faux pas or simply chic?

Photo: Fame Pictures

Five Fabulous Honeymoon Ideas for Prince William and Kate Middleton

I am not really a devoted royal watcher but the late Princess Diana holds a special place in my heart. Like so many little girls, I was glued to the television watching her 1981 fairy tale nuptials to Prince Charles (I even traveled to Philly earlier this year to see an exhibition that included her legendary wedding gown.) I will certainly be watching another  royal wedding, 30 years after Princess Diana's, when her eldest son, Prince William, walks down the aisle in 2011 with his comely commoner Kate Middleton.

We already know that Will and Kate love to vacation in exotic locales: he proposed while they were vacationing in Kenya. Will actually had the engagement ring (Princess Diana's sapphire and diamond ring) hidden in his backpack while they were on holiday. So, I fully expect that this adventurous pair will have an amazing honeymoon. Since money is no object and privacy is key, here are five locations that are experts in delivering the royal treatment.

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort
Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica
British author Ian Fleming penned all 14 of his James Bond novels at this luxurious and secluded getaway. The couple can ensconce themselves in the Fleming Villa, stroll the private beach, and toast their new life together with martinis - shaken, not stirred, of course!


Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
Not only did Charles and Diana once vacation at this resort 3,100 ft. above sea level in Jamaica's breathtaking Blue Mountains, other notable guests include Bob Marley and Mick Jagger. Very exclusive, Strawberry Hill has twelve handcrafted 19th century Georgian style cottages.

Eagle Island, Georgia
Maybe Kate and Will would enjoy some southern hospitality? Located 60 miles south of Savannah, Eagle Island is a ten acre island that is only accessible by boat. Privacy is virtually guaranteed since the 3,343 sq. ft. Eagle Lodge is the only accommodation on the island. Forget the paparazzi - their only neighbors would be the island's namesake pair of bald eagles.

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Perched on a ridge overlooking the hills of Myanmar and Laos, Anantara's Golden Triangle resort is a world away from Bangkok's hustle and bustle. Romance is everywhere at this luxury resort, including elephant rides for two!


Cocoa Island, Maldives
Surrounded by pristine turquoise water, Cocoa Island is a private island resort in the South Male Atoll. Just over 1,000 ft. long, the resort has 33 water suites and villas.

Queen Elizabeth, Live it Up in New York City!

New York City will roll out the red carpet for Queen Elizabeth when she heads into town on Tuesday, July 6 - her first trip to the Big Apple since the Bicentennial in 1976. Her Majesty's visit will be a short and solemn affair - a speech at the United Nations, a few moments of reflection at Ground Zero, and a ribbon cutting ceremony at the British Garden in Hanover Square ( a memorial to British subjects that died in the World Trade Center attacks). 

Despite this whirlwind day, Queen Elizabeth will not be spending the night in town - she and Prince Philip will fly back home to England at the conclusion of her official duties. However, if Her Majesty does change her mind and would like to spend a little more time in my fair city, here are a few places where she can enjoy the ambiance of Great Britain right here in New York City.

Afternoon Tea: Of course, the Queen deserves to relax with a lovely cup of tea and some delicious scones. For a real taste of Britain, a visit to Tea & Sympathy is a must.  In addition to the afternoon tea, the restaurant also serves English favorites such as bangers 'n' mash and treacle pudding. And, the Tea & Sympathy store stocks all manner of English goodies. Myers of Keswick, a traditional British grocery store in NYC, is another great spot to stock up on meat pies and other proper provisions. I wonder if the Queen likes Jaffa Cakes ("Original Sponge Cake Cookies with Plain Chocolate and a Smashing Orangey Bit in the Middle") as much as I do?

Hat Shopping:  Like every woman who visits New York City, the Queen is entitled to indulge in some retail therapy. She seems to love her hats, so I recommend a trip to Harlem to purchase a real show-stopper. Popular milliners include Harlem's Heaven Hat Boutique and Hats By Bunn.

Take Time to Smell the Roses: English gardens are legendary but New York City has our share of fantastic floral spaces. I can just picture the Queen strolling through the breathtaking Conservatory Gardens - Central Park's only formal garden. The Conservatory Garden's six acres is divided into 3 sections: French, Italian and English. Something tells me that Her Majesty will like the English Garden's magnolia scented walkways best of all!

What NOT to Do if You Should Meet Prince Harry During His Visit to NYC

Move over Harry Potter -  another bloke named Harry is trying to work his magic in the Big Apple! Crossing the pond from Britain for his first official visit to America, 24 year old Prince Harry's two-day itinerary (May 29 & 30) includes visits to the World Trade Center and the Harlem Children's Zone school. The Prince will also get to show off his athletic prowess in a polo match at Governors Island  before he heads back home (although I think that a pick up game of basketball at Harlem's Rucker Park would be a more authentic New York City experience for the young royal). Third in line to the British throne, Prince Harry is known as a first-rate party boy in Europe so perhaps this trip is only 2 days long to decrease the likelihood of any nightclub shenanigans?

Since the United States doesn't have royalty (unless you count athletes and Madonna), even the most sophisticated amongst us might be a bit baffled on the proper way to address Prince Harry in case we run into him. Here are a few tips from the royal etiquette experts.

1. Only speak when spoken to. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to ask Prince Harry to slip Wills your phone number.

2. Flexibility is key. Who knew that all of those yoga classes would prepare you to give the most graceful curtsy EVER!

3. Even if he is younger than you, Prince Harry should be addressed as His Royal Highness - not the Little Prince nor Big Red.

Of course, not everyone in the Big Apple is thrilled about Prince Harry's visit. An anonymous person left this comment on the Daily News website, "He drives drunk. He uses marijuana, he's loud and vulgar, he occasionally dresses as a Nazi and he's not very bright. Ah, another annoying tourist. And WE are spending money to entertain HIM."

Hey Harry, welcome to New York!   

Click here to see Prince Harry's New York itinerary.