Other Royal Residences

We crossed from Buckingham Palace down the Saint James mall to visit other royal residences that ring the palace and St. James Park. 
This small white mansion is Clarence House, the official residence of Charles and Camilla. Rumor is when he takes the throne he may not live in Buckingham Palace and  will remain here. This could allows Buckingham Palace to be open year round for visitors and still hold private state events. There is precedence for this because William 4th (he was the brother of George the 4th) seceded je felt George had ruined Buckingham Palace with all his gold so he stayed at Clarence House. This house was previously the residence of the Queen Mother. It also connects to St. James palace, a royal palace since the time of Henry 8th 500 years old and is the oldest residence in use. 

Next door is Lancaster house, another royal and aristocratic residence used for government functions and filming as a stand in for the palace. It is even grander inside than Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria is said to have commented to the the Duchess of Southernland when she came to visit, “I’ve come from my house to your palace.”

Attached to Clarence House is St. James Palace and around the back is Friary court. The heir to the throne will be invited here and told they are the new monarch when the reigning monarch passes. The lord chamberlain will stand on the balcony with a tricot hat, feathers, and a huge scroll to declare the new king. 
It is considered bad luck to attend your own proclamation. The queen’s uncle, Edward the 8th, who married Wallis Simpson,attended his proclamation and didn’t make it to his coronation. Mark said we could google to find footage of them watching his own proclamation from behind the curtains. 

Across the street is Marlborough House. Queen Mary lived here until she died (she was the current queen’s grandmother). There is a scene from “The Crown” when the queen walks in the fog across the street to see her dying grandma. The Marlboroughs were a well connected family and relatives of both Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Spencer’s families. 
Next up is a brief walking tour across St James Park and into the area around the palace.