The day for the bishops and spouses in London began early on July 24 at 6:30 a.m. as we gathered at the University of Kent bus stop to board transportation to London, a ninety minute ride away. The line of participants waiting with us must have extended at least four city blocks, so we were awash in a sea of purple cassocks, colorful outfits, and a wondrous assortment of hats suitable for a tea party with the Queen.
Arriving in London, we traveled past the Parliament Building, Big Ben, and across the river Thames to reach the starting point of our walk for the Millennium Development Goals. It was sunny and warm with everyone in high spirits and looking forward to walking together for such a worthwhile purpose. Rickshaws were provided for those unable to walk but who wished to participate.
Cutting poverty in half
We walked carrying placards which proclaimed the goal of cutting world poverty in half by the year 2015. Many bystanders waved, cheered, and shouted greetings. There were very few protesters, and they were well behaved. The English “Bobbies” were stationed on either side of the streets, just in case.
Passing over the Thames River was quite an experience as the views were breathtaking of boats, sparkling sunlit water, and all that we could see.
Walking up to Lambeth Palace was a sight. Huge banners were strung from the highest parapets of the castle-like structure, waving in the breeze and vividly telling the world of our intentions: “Do Justice,” “Love Mercy,” “Keep the Promise,” and “Halve Poverty by 2015.”
We gathered in the large courtyard to hear presentations by Archbishop Rowan and Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Together they pledged to work toward these goals. Mr. Brown’s talk was particularly impassioned.
Next we were ushered into the rear garden area of the Palace to the music of a marimba band whose members were young school children. Refreshments were waiting for all as we wended our way to the large tented room that was beautifully set for lunch.
Palace Gardens
Afterwards, the gardens of the Palace beckoned. Paths were followed, plantings admired, and a walk to the pond and herb garden provided a pleasant interlude between lunch and time to depart for Buckingham Palace, a short bus ride away.
As we alighted at the Palace gates of black wrought iron trimmed out in gold, I rather much felt like Cinderella alighting from her carriage on the arm of her Prince Charming in purple. I think we both wore grins on our faces the whole time we were there, thinking that this could not possibly be real!
We were ushered through two magnificent rooms of portraits, glassed-in antique china, furniture of indeterminate age, but certainly very old, over crimson carpets, and gilded trim upon most surfaces. It was so elegant, speaking to another time altogether. The essence of royalty and daily events gone before was very much present.
In the courtyard
Walking out into the sunshine of the vast courtyard behind Buckingham Palace, we heard music from two military band regiments, each at opposite ends of this open space fringed on every border by gardens and paths. Humming along with the Broadway themed music, we strolled toward the gardens. At the opposite end of the building, a large lake glistened in the sun. Indigenous water fowl swam, or rested on the banks. The Rose Garden was spectacular with a white painted cement urn at least twelve to fifteen feet high, and the “folly” designed as a Grecian temple. The roses were grouped in sections of same color and variety. Jim gathered rose petals for me from the grass as we strolled, in order to have a bit of potpourri from Buckingham Palace. (They sit drying above me on the sparse shelving above my head in my dormitory cell here at the university.)
We lined up with everyone else as time approached for Queen Elizabeth to make her appearance. No word had been forthcoming earlier about who of the royal family might accompany her. Her personal guard, all decked out in the traditional red livery, descended the steps from the Palace and took up their stance. We were at the front of the line at one side so we had an excellent view of her and of Prince Philip as they made their entrance. The Queen was quietly resplendent in a conservatively printed summer dress; her matching hat sported lovely whimsical butterflies. Of course she had her customary gloves and purse. She took much time in her conversations with various people along the line. Our impression of her was one of grace and undivided attention to the persons with whom she talked.
Enjoying tea
We were on the opposite side of the line that she walked past, stopping to chat here and there, but we had the best view of everything that was happening. We crossed over later and enjoyed watching even more closely as she made her way to the royal court tent to enjoy her tea. The Archbishop and the Primates joined her there.
We helped ourselves to delicious tea, sandwiches of cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, and delicate truffles, sponge cakes, and mini scones topped with raspberries and cream.
Too soon
The afternoon was over too soon but, needless to say, a wonderful time was had by all!
I wish to say at this point that the many stewards who are responsible for keeping over one thousand people organized for every event have been incredibly polite, patient beyond words, and accomplished their jobs well. We continue to be so impressed with the organization of all aspects of this massive conference. Many of the stewards are seminary students from all over the world, who, if their sense of compassion displayed here is any indication, will be very wonderful additions to the Church someday.