It’s been awhile since I’ve done an article under Time Travel and this week I’ve been working on a photo project which led me down a nostalgic path to London.  I landed at Kensington Palace in the rose-colored days of Princess Diana.

It was back in 1996 when I made my first actual visit to “Di’s place.”  Oh, I had been to London numerous times but never ventured inside the Palace walls………too many tourists………the lines were too long……you know!  This time it was a lovely spring day and I was overwhelmed by the color and beauty as I walked through  Kensington Gardens.  I wondered to myself how such a tragic figure could live amid such beauty and apparently still be sad.  I also thought how closely similar she was to Queen Victoria, who was also cloistered out of the spotlight inside the same Palace walls when she was so young.

The Cupola Room at Kensington Palace where Queen Victoria was baptised

The visit was limited to the public state rooms, naturally, as well as the lower level gallery and gift shop (of course) but the “home” was so austere and at the time her “ex” sister-in-law lived in an apartment downstairs.  Then I realized why she was so depressed.  Her life was not her own, even when she tried to break free.  Diana, I think, was a wanderlust woman too, only her spirit was not free to soar and in that moment I was very happy and appreciated the freedom I enjoy each day to travel the world on a whim – something I shall not take for granted.

As to visiting Kensington Gardens……..there could not be a more perfect way to spend a day in London.  I would suggest starting at the Palace itself.  This way you can enjoy an early admission before the crowds.  Do visit the gift shop because I bought lots of lovely, yet overpriced, goodies.  However, I would avoid The Orangery for tea or lunch.  It is a crowded restaurant with less than tasty food.  Don’t get wrapped up in the romance of eating in the lovely building, as I did, because you will be disappointed.

There is the charming statue of Peter Pan and two children’s playgrounds.  It’s a great place to people watch on a sunny day.  However, the highlight of Kensington has to be the Italian Gardens.  This ornamental water garden with fountains, ponds and statues was inspired by the great romantic and visionary, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert in 1860.  You will find few Brits who will deny that much of London’s great architecture and beauty is due to Albert’s vision.  It makes sense that the Albert Memorial is located at one end of this magnificent park, between The Queen’s Gate and Alexandra Gate and directly opposite the Albert Hall.  On a gloomy winter day, it makes me perk right up just thinking about springtime in Kensington Gardens.