Enchanted Palace

These were snapped at the "Enchanted Palace" - installations in Kensington Palace. Actually quite magical, and definitely worth a look. They've asked 6 British designers to create installations, themed around some of the princesses who have lived in the Palace. There are guides wandering around who can fill you in on what it's all about. A lovely way to spend a Friday evening.

The pink dress on the staircase above is by Vivienne Westwood.

A little bit of Royal trivia I learned was that when Prince Charles takes the throne, he is likely to change his name to George. The name Charles is considered inauspicious, because Charles I is the only member of the monarchy to have been executed (in 1649, after the English Civil War, brought about the short-lived republic under Oliver Cromwell). Charles II, the son of Charles I, returned to the throne at the Restoration in 1660, after spending 18 years in exile overseas, but was mocked as the Merry Monarch because he had a string of mistresses, including the orange-seller Nell Gwyn. There is also some sensitivity about Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Young Pretender (who was known as Charles III by his supporters), who launched the 1745 Jacobie rising, the last Scottish campaign on English soil. It would also be a tribute to his grandfather if Prince Charles took the name George VII.