Princess Marie Louise's Indian Tiara

One of my interests is royal jewellery, these opulent pieces have so much history and yet even today they are still worn and look amazing. They are handed down from generation to generation, some disappear for years and then resurface with a new owner.

One of the pieces that has been handed down is HH Princess Marie Louise's Indian Tiara. Princess Marie Louise died childless and she left a lot of her estate to the Gloucesters. Not only did she leave jewellery to them but also a collection of relics from the Napoleonic era.

HH Princess Marie Louise's Indian Tiara.

 

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Rugby at Twickenham

I wanted to do things this year that were out of my comfort zone and so not being particularly enthusiastic about sport, I decided to "sample" as many as I could this year. So my latest venture was to Twickenham to see England and Fiji battle it out on the rugby pitch. The whole experience was really quite amazing and totally enjoyable.

The 82,000 fans there were amazingly well behaved and the atmosphere had a carnival quality, although there were plenty of refreshment outlets, there wasn't any sign of trouble.

This is something I would go back to see again and hopefully will in the coming year. This year so far, I have watched tennis, hockey, athletics, long jump, discus, javelin and now Rugby, so what's next? Football? Hmmm I'm not to sure about that!

 

 

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Philip de Laszlo, Artist

Philip de Laszlo has to be my favourite portrait painter of to early 20th century. He captured his subjects in an almost photographic quality while at the same time giving his sitter an ethereal aura.

He captured most of the aristocracy as well as most of Europe's Royal Families. His portraits have been reproduced many times and I have included a few of my favourites here.

HM Queen Marie of Roumania

Mabel, Countess of Airlie in the middle and HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Some of de Laszlo's portraits can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

 

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Joe Allen Restaurant, London

After the theatre yesterday, we walked to one of my favourite restaurants in London, Joe Allen. All you can see from the street is a green awning with the name Joe Allen on it. This gives nothing away to what awaits you as you descend the stairs.

The atmosphere of the subterranean restaurant is enhanced with more theatrical posters than you will every see, each one has its own charm. Similar to the menu, which changes every day and also provides seasonal choices.

Last evening, I feasted on Smoked Salmon with cucumber spaghetti with capers to start with and roast pheasant to follow, which was delicious. Although feeling very comfortable, there was just room for a dessert and for this, I chose Pear tart with salted caramel and chocolate sauce. I can't describe how wonderful the flavours were, I hope it will be on the menu again sometime soon.

Joe Allen, one of London's best kept secrets!

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War Horse London

I saw War Horse in London yesterday for the second time. It had not lost any of its powerful message and for me, it was better seeing it the second time. Although I knew what was coming, it really was superb and after about two seconds, you forget the the horses are puppets. You are quickly absorbed into the life of Joey and Albert and you pray that the ending will be what you want it to be.

I am not going to give the ending away, but I would recommend anyone of any age to go and see this wonderful and yet powerful stage play. I have not nor will I, see the film, this is a stage play, the emotion, the horses and the atmosphere with the audience is totally unbeatable.

 

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