Susannah’s Royal Tour of Scotland and London

We love hearing how Kate has influenced your life – be it through fashion, food, travel or other ways. This month, we’re sharing a once in a lifetime trip that WWKD reader Susannah recently completed of the UK – definitely asking what Kate would do – in today’s guest submission. Here is all about Susannah‘s trip of a lifetime, in her own words (and amazing pictures)

Last summer my family had the trip of a lifetime where I fit in as many royal-related spots as possible. We started our trip in Edinburgh where we toured the Queen’s yacht, Britannia. We toured the beautiful drawing room and bedrooms of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the room that Prince Charles and Princess Diana stayed on their honeymoon.

The following day we walked to the Queen’s Palace of Holyrood where many of her outfits were on display in celebration of her 90th birthday.  We were there a week before she would come for her annual stay, and we toured the grounds where her garden party would be held.  I was wearing Kate’s striped navy and cream J. Crew sweater with my J Brands and Sebagos.

Our next city where I found many Will and Kate (the early years) spots was St. Andrews.  For dinner we went to a restaurant where Will and Kate had many quiet dates, West Port Bar & Kitchen.  I had some delicious and funny-named soup, cullen skink.  The atmosphere was cozy and casual with a more private downstairs where Will and Kate are said to have spent their time.

After touring the famous golf course the next morning, I insisted in going to find 13A Hope St. where Will and Kate lived during their time at university.  Lucky for me, it happened to be trash day, and the front door was open.  So of course I took a picture of myself in the doorway wearing Kate’s black patterned Zara pants.

The town was delightfully small, and our hotel was literally across the street from St. Salvator’s dorm.  I was able to slip inside “Sally’s” and get a feel for another home of Will and Kate’s, (and hopefully security was better when they were living there).

Our next destination was Aberdeen where we rented a car and drove through many sheep-filled hills to visit Balmoral Castle.

I was tickled to have found Kate’s red Zara coat the night before in a shopping area near our hotel, so of course I wore it.  We had a lovely time walking the grounds of the castle and inside the ballroom.  We enjoyed some tea and scones at the cafe there and walked down to the river where Charles and Diana famously had their picture taken.  Another treat was getting to go inside Crathie Kirk, the church where the family often attends.  We tried to track down a souvenir in the Balmoral tartan, but the lady we met in the shop said that only the royals are allowed to wear it. We took an overnight train to London where our first stop was the National Portrait Gallery.  I got a picture of myself with the Vogue exhibit featuring Kate’s portraits.  I was so happy to come across the Petit Bateau store on King’s Road a few days later and purchase the red and navy striped shirt she wore in one of her portraits.

The main reason for our trip was to attend the Wimbledon Championships, so the next day we went to our first of 6 days on Centre Court (I will forever be indebted to my mom’s cousin, who got us these once-in-a-lifetime tickets).

Throughout our days at Wimbledon we spotted many royals (INCLUDING KATE HERSELF), all of Kate’s family, and other celebrities.

We left Wimbledon one night to go see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive and depart a service at Westminster Abbey.

Another night we waited outside the Natural History Museum for a couple hours waiting for Kate to arrive for her engagement.  It was very interesting to watch the hosts of the event get everything ready for her arrival, including letting bomb sniffing dogs run around.

My mom and I took one day to go tour Sandringham, and I must say that the trip all the way out there was completely worth it.

I have to say out of all the royal residences I’ve toured, it’s my favorite. Sandringham is a real home for the royals at Christmas time and doesn’t feel like a fancy museum.  I saw the room where the royals took the photos for Charlotte’s christening and the stain on the sofa from George’s shoes.  The guides were wonderful, showing us where the Christmas tree goes and telling us where the Queen sips her tea and does puzzles. We also went into the quaint church were Charlotte was christened and where the royals attend the Christmas service.

One of the most touching sights on the grounds was 3 small tombstones for the Queen’s Corgis, who had passed away.

Probably the most exciting moment of my life was sitting next to the Royal Box the day that Kate came to watch the Women’s Semi-finals.  My hands were shaking so much when I saw her walk in about 20 feet from me in her yellow Roksanda dress that I had to tell myself “If you don’t calm down, you won’t have any good pictures of this!!!”  Needless to say I didn’t see any of that match.

Speaking of Roksanda, mom and I also went to the very upscale neighborhood of Mayfair in London one day.  We went into a couple of Kate’s go-to designers’ boutiques including Roksanda Ilincic and Jenny Packham.  When we walked into Jenny Packham, a woman was purchasing Kate’s evening gown that she wore to the Ark gala, her first black tie engagement with William after her wedding.

As you can tell, I couldn’t have squeezed in any more British royals if I tried on this trip.  For that reason, it is most likely the best trip I will ever take.