y plan to treat my grandkids to a luxurious family vacation took an unexpected turn when one of my granddaughters demanded the grandest accommodation. I decided to take the unconventional route to teach her a memorable lesson.
So, my husband, John, and I, we’ve been pretty lucky in life, and we wanted to do something special for our family. Our granddaughter, Robin, got married recently, and we thought, “Why not celebrate with a big family vacation?”
A happy older couple looking out at the ocean | Source: Shutterstock
We picked Bora Bora because, honestly, who doesn’t dream of going there? It’s like one of those places you see on postcards and think, “People actually go there?” Yes, they do, and we decided we were going to be those people.
A resort in Bora Bora | Source: Shutterstock
We got a great deal on this trip. We found this beautiful place that had room for all of us – three bungalows for the grandkids and their families, and one big villa for John and me.
Villas by the beach in Bora Bora | Source: Shutterstock
The bungalows were nice, each one a thousand square feet with a king bed or two queens, a bathroom, and some outdoor space.
A tropical bungalow on the beach | Source: Shutterstock
But the villa, oh boy, it was something else. Four thousand square feet all to ourselves, with a bedroom, a bathroom that had a sauna, a living room, and the best part, an outdoor area with a bathtub, a pool, and a slide straight into the ocean. It was paradise.
A sundeck with a pool overlooking the beach | Source: Shutterstock
Now, we hadn’t even been there for a full day when the trouble started. We were all having dinner together, enjoying the breeze and the sound of the waves, when my other granddaughter, Jenny, said something about wanting to use our slide.
Unseen Royal Family Photos Go on Display at Buckingham Palace, Including Queen Elizabeth in New Mom Mode
Some of the display’s visuals are too sensitive to be left up all the time.
With great pleasure, Buckingham Palace announces the release of an astounding array of never-before-seen images from the royal archives.
The unique exhibition “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” at The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace is scheduled to debut on May 17 and will highlight the development of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present. More than 150 one-of-a-kind pieces from the Royal Collection and Royal Archives will be on show, with many of these old prints appearing for the first time. A unique look into the creative processes behind these historical photos is provided by the show, which also features unseen proofs and archival correspondence.
A poignant 1964 portrait of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, Princess Alexandra, and the then-Duchess of Kent holding their babies is one of the most notable items. This heartwarming photo was taken by Princess Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, as a special thank-you to royal obstetrician Sir John Peel, who assisted in the delivery of all four babies in less than two months. Princess Margaret is holding her daughter Lady Sarah tenderly while Queen Elizabeth is grinning at the camera and holding Prince Edward, the youngest of her four children.
Snowdon, the Royal Collection Trust, and Camera Press
Images of Queen Elizabeth’s parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, taken during World War II make up another moving section of the display. Cecil Beaton captured these pictures with the intention of bringing stability and hope during tumultuous times. Notable images of the royal couple taken in 1940 at Buckingham Palace include a dramatic view of them assessing bomb damage and a sweet family photo taken in 1943 at Royal Lodge in Windsor, which shows Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as little children gathered around their father’s desk.
Snowdon, the Royal Collection Trust, and Camera Press
The thrill and exclusivity of this event is further enhanced by the fact that the Royal Collection Trust emphasizes that these vintage photos cannot be permanently shown due to conservation needs. The display covers an amazing range of historical periods, including the first color image of a member of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 coronation portrait, the Queen’s sparkling painting by Andy Warhol from 1985, and even Kate Middleton’s arresting 40th birthday shot.
It’s interesting to note that Kate’s milestone birthday portrait will be on display next to a portrait of Princess Alexandra from 1864, which it looks a lot like.
Charles III, His Majesty, Royal Collection Trust, 2024
The audio guide for this fascinating exhibit, which is narrated by the adored Dame Joanna Lumley, includes commentary from well-known photographers Rankin and John Swannell. Hugo Burnand has also contributed to the guide; he has a long-standing professional relationship with King Charles and Queen Camilla, having taken their formal coronation photographs in May 2023.
Paolo Reversi/Royal Collection Trust Photographer
Exhibiting photographs by renowned photographers including David Bailey, Annie Leibovitz, Polly Borland, and Dorothy Wilding, this show is sure to thrill royal photography enthusiasts.
Remember to put dates in your calendars! The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will unveil “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” on May 17. This is a unique chance to experience history unfold before your eyes as a unique collection of royal moments are captured via the skill of photography.
Charles III, His Majesty, Royal Collection Trust, 2024
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