Chapter 6: Are We There Yet? (Don't Make Me Come Back There!)

A Royal Visit
(March 29, 2025)
After a hearty British Breakfast at the hotel, I commenced with what was my second day in London. The temperature was a sunny 59 degrees (15 Celsius), the sun was shining, the air was brisk and stimulating, and it was time to get this day started.
10 Downing Street
 
However, before I could proceed with my day, I had one stop to make. Just past Trafalgar Square is Piccadilly Circus and the West End.  Legend tells of a rare treasure located in all major cosmopolitan cities, and one such treasure was right here in London. It’s called TKTS and they offer same-day tickets for most West End Shows at a discounted rate. To get the best choice, I must get there right when they open.  I had successfully narrowed my choices between two shows that I wanted to see Book of Mormon and Tom Hiddleston and Haley Atwell in Much Ado About Nothing. Out I went, passing all of the sights of the previous day, huffing and puffing up the small hill and eventually making it to the discount booth before it opened. I had arrived fifteen minutes before it was supposed to open, only to find out… (dramatic music, please) it was closed! However, posted on the wall was their website with an invite to try there. iPhone in hand, I visited a nearby McDonald's, ordered a cup of coffee, and stole some precious WIFI.
Immediately, I was reminded of something the actor Brian Cox once said about never passing up the opportunity to see a great actor. And here he was in a play called The Score, with tickets available at an excellent price. Well, I took Mr. Cox at his word and purchased a ticket for the 7pm show. 
 
Digital tickets in hand, it is time to gulp down my McCoffee with cream, take a quick look at Apple Maps, and plot my course for the day ahead.  
First stop, the home of # 6 (The Prisoner), located at 1 Buckingham Place.
 
Any fan of Patrick McGoohan will be familiar with the iconic 60’s television show, The Prisoner. The ITC production answers the age-old question: What do you do with a secret agent who has either outlived his usefulness or no longer feels spying fulfills his work/life balance? The answer turns out to be a mysterious seaside resort where, if you choose to escape, you will be chased down and enveloped by a giant white ball of undetermined origin. Satirical and creepy at the same time, The Prisoner has a relatively large fan base and is must-see television for fans of the 1960s spy genre. 
 
The actual space has been many things since the 60s and is now the home office for a local barrister.  Walking past enough times to appear suspicious, I moved on and wandered into one of London’s  St. James's Park.
This is the most royal of London’s Royal Parks. Shaped by generations of monarchs and bordered by three royal palaces, St. James’s Park is the home of ceremonial events in the capital. From royal weddings and jubilees to military parades and state celebrations, this is the park where history is made. 
 
In 1532, Henry VIII added this sizable stretch of land to his collection of deer parks, fencing it off from the general public and constructing a hunting lodge that would later become known as the Palace of St. James. Since then, it has hosted jousts, fetes, festivals, and, as I understand it, several Star Trek Conventions. 
 
The park itself is expansive and leads to Buckingham Palace and the neighboring Palace of St. James.
 
Buckingham Palace: Home of King Charles and, more importantly, where his mother, Queen Elizabeth, would drink four cocktails a day.
A gin and Dubonnet (A French aperitif), with a slice of lemon and a “lot of ice.” 
A glass of wine and chocolate after lunch
A dry gin martini after lunch.
A glass of champagne and a sizable bong hit before bed.
Can this lady party or what? I just had to take several pictures of the party house, I mean, palace. 
 
To witness the changing of the guard, it is best to arrive at the location well in advance. Thousands gather for this event. I chose to skip the event, instead slipping back into St. James Park to head off to Hugh Grant’s private dance studio, otherwise known as #10 Downing Street.
 
Only nine minutes away, the official residence of the Prime Minister borders St. James Park. I followed the Princess Diana Memorial Walk, skirting the other side of the park, and shortly arrived at… 
 
NEWS FLASH!
Unfortunately, lowly serfs and tourists are not able to walk past the famous residence. Disappointed, but not undaunted, I decided instead to search for the next best thing; the home of Natalie’s parents from Love Actually (Poplar Road in Hearn Hill). The row of cute and connected houses where the movie was filmed is only a short walk from Downing Street, and I found it to be just as photogenic, with far less security than the Prime Minister’s residence.
Coming next: A Night at the Theatre