Having had a snuggle with Henry all night (don’t worry mum, it was the chocolate lab) I woke up to yet another gorgeous day. The weather has been incredibly kind to me while I’ve been here. I’d prepared myself for some cold weather, but fortunately haven’t had to crack out the thermals at all.

We wait, and wait, and wait while we listen to all the wonderful causes that the Prince supports here in the UK. It’s extremely admirable and it paints a picture of a very kind, compassionate and giving man. He’s definitely his mother’s son.
We sip on our cocktails (there were a few), with our smart devices poised in preparation Ian finally appears on the screen. He’s an incredible CEO and ambassador for the world of the Terrence Higgins Trust over here. I’m so proud to call him as my friend.

He does so well and we scream and clap when he’s all done. Paul is so proud of his hubby and we are grinning from ear to ear. So pleased his segment was pushed so close to the actual wedding, cause it would have maximum exposure for the organization and the message they wanted to share.
But now with the wedding starting in less than half an hour we realize it’s time to get sorted as we will be needing to look respectable for the Royal Wedding. So we tag team the shower and get ourselves together. In moments, Paul has managed to create the perfect English high tea.

The royal wedding begins and Paul and I have our own brand of commentary as we talk about who’s who, what they’re wearing and the ever changing facial expressions of the Royal family and guests throughout the formalities.
I am gobsmacked that as the Queen walks in she just walks straight past her grandsons to find her seat. I reflect on my mum and if either of her granddaughters were standing at the altar she would have greeted them with masses of hugs and kisses. I know she’s the Queen but seriously?
Paul and I are in stitches over some of the comments we’re making, and we’ve grotten so loud dad comes down from upstairs and wonders what all the noise was about.
Paul and I are definitely kindred spirits. Perhaps another twin separated at birth. My most favourite part of the wedding was American Bishop Michael Curry. He preached up a storm and was not very……..how shall I say……Royal?! BUT, absolutely was part of the most unique Royal event I, or perhaps even the world, had seen.

I’d made a comment saying this would be a real turning point for the Royal family given the nature of the union being between English Royalty and Hollywood. Interestly this is a statement I heard on a number of news channels later that day and the morning after. Traditions are a wonderful thing but if you can make a fusion of it with a modern twist, how incredible that would be.
Paul and I decide to enjoy some of the glorious sunshine, so leave dad inside so we can do some garden drinking. We chat and giggle in the deck chairs while we sip on bubbly and play with dogs.

I couldn’t tell you how long we were out there. It’s been so nice to not have to really keep track of time today. But dad pops his head out and decides to join us as we realize that Ian is on his way home from Windsor Castle.
Buntings out the front of houses are a common sight at the moment and Ian and Paul’s place is no exception. The British spirit is alive and well here, that’s for sure.

Ian arrives home and we all cheer!! He has had a massive day, and sits with us for a short time in the garden before we all realize it’s time to head out for dinner. We’re headed to a pub in the next village.
It’s called The Crowne Inn and it’s super quaint. We order some drinks and sit down in the lounge area while we peruse the menus. The bartender and waitress Amanda was simply gorgeous, nothing is a problem and she happily answers questions we have about the meals on offer.

The menu has some British classics and some modern options too. I opt for some fish and chips, and once all our orders are in Amanda shows us to our table out the back.
I had my first try of a Scotched Egg, which is a boiled egg, covered with pork and then rolled in bread crumbs, deep fried and served hot or cold. It’s yummy.

Soon our meals arrive and there is no way I can possibly finish my fish and chips. It’s so delicious though and we sit and chat through our meals. It’s so lovely to have time with these two. Ian and Paul are wonderful humans and very special friends. I’ll be sad to say goodbye tomorrow as I head for Paris.

We head home and Paul and I settle in for a couple of drinks while dad and Ian retire for the night. There’s talk of a breakfast in the village that Ian and Paul used to live. I consider staying up for a bit, but my eye lids are not cooperating. So off I go to be joined by Henry and George. I get the giggles as I have Henry pretty much sitting on my head and George sidled up right next to my legs.
Night Vernham Dean for the final time this trip!