Kelti Goes To London part 3

In the final section of this story, Kelti and her grandma finally reach Buckingham Palace ... and Kelti is still hoping to see The Queen. In this part of my story, Kelti watches the soldiers who keep guard outside of Buckingham Palace, and then she has a special tour of the Palace ... but will she see The Queen?

Thank you for your kind messages and continued support. All are greatly appreciated.

Transcript

Hello,

My name is Jacqueline and I am a very proud grandma.

I write stories for my grandchildren and I'm very happy to share them with you too.

So make yourself comfortable and settle back because my next story is about to begin.

Kelty goes to London,

Part 3 Kelty and her grandma were on their way to Buckingham Palace and Kelty was really hoping to see the Queen.

They walked down the Mall,

Which is a short but fairly wide road,

Just under a mile long.

It is coloured red to give the effect of a giant red carpet leading to Buckingham Palace.

In front of Buckingham Palace is a roundabout where the Queen Victoria Memorial is situated.

The memorial is nearly 25 metres tall and decorated with tributes to this great Queen which include eagles,

Lions and goddesses and also Queen Victoria herself.

It's so big,

Said Kelty.

Tell me about it,

Grandma.

The Victoria Memorial was unveiled in 1911,

Though not completed until 1924,

In memory of Queen Victoria,

Explained grandma.

She was Queen from 1837 until her death in 1901.

She was 81 when she died and had reigned for 63 years and 7 months.

Is that the longest time anyone has reigned?

Asked Kelty.

Well it was,

Said grandma,

But then our Queen,

Queen Elizabeth II,

Took over that record and has so far reigned for 70 years.

Oh my!

Exclaimed Kelty.

Our Queen must be really old now.

Grandma laughed.

You could say that,

She said.

She is 93 years old and still going strong.

Is our Queen related to Queen Victoria?

Asked Kelty.

Always hungry for more information?

Yes she is,

Answered grandma.

Queen Victoria was our Queen's great-great-grandmother.

They walked towards the gates of Buckingham Palace.

Kelty was amazed by the beauty of the magnificent wrought iron gates with the royal coat of arms set into them.

The wrought iron fence which surrounds the palace was black with a gold-coloured fleur de lis which looks like an open flower with three petals set at the top of each pole.

Kelty looked through the fence and saw two soldiers standing in front of their sentry boxes.

They looked very smart in their red tunics,

Black trousers,

Shiny black boots and large,

Bare-skin caps on their head.

Look at their big fluffy hats,

Grandma,

Said Kelty.

They are called bare-skin caps and are 18 inches high,

Explained grandma.

They were first worn by British soldiers in 1815 and are made from the fur of Canadian black bears.

Today,

Some people are not happy about using bare skins but the British army has tried various other materials for the skins.

But so far the man-made fur caps lose their shape in strong winds and get waterlogged in heavy rains.

I bet that looked funny when they were on parade,

Laughed Kelty,

Imagining the sight of a soggy furry black hat flopping over a soldier's face.

And I expect the Queen was not amused,

Said grandma.

How do they keep their caps so upright on their head,

Asked Kelty.

They look really heavy.

They weigh only one and a half pounds,

Said grandma.

They look a lot heavier than that,

Remarked Kelty.

Well that's because the bare skin is stretched over a basket-like framework which is attached to an adjustable leather skull cap and chin strap for a secure fit,

Explained grandma.

Kelty watched the soldiers as they started to march in front of their sentry boxes.

Oh,

So they don't stand still the whole time then,

Grandma?

Asked Kelty.

Traditionally the Queen's guards are not allowed to move,

Explained grandma.

They may not eat,

Sleep,

Smile,

Stand easy,

Sit or lie down during their duty.

But every ten minutes they will come to attention and march across their post four or five times.

Then the guard halts and stands at ease again in front of his sentry box.

As grandma finished explaining,

So the guards stopped marching and returned to their positions in front of their boxes.

Are they guarding the Queen?

Asked Kelty.

They are guarding the palace,

Answered grandma.

How will I know if the Queen is home?

Asked Kelty,

Still hoping to see her.

Well,

There are two ways,

Explained grandma.

One of them is the number of soldiers guarding the palace and the other is the type of flag flying at the top of Buckingham Palace.

Tell me more,

Grandma,

Said Kelty,

Really hoping the Queen was home today.

When the Queen is in residence there will be four foot guards at the front of the building and when she is away there are only two,

Explained grandma.

Kelty felt disappointed.

There are only two guards today,

Grandma,

She said.

Then she had a thought.

Maybe the other two guards are having a rest and will be back soon.

No sweetheart,

Said grandma.

Sorry to shatter Kelty's theory.

There are always enough guards here,

Three officers and thirty-six soldiers altogether.

A guardsman spends two hours on duty and four hours off.

I don't think the Queen is home today.

But what's the other way we can tell if she's home,

Asked Kelty,

Hoping that there was still a chance the Queen could be here.

If the Union flag is flying,

That's the national flag which represents our country,

The Queen is not home,

Explained grandma.

But if the Royal Standard is flying,

That's the official flag of the reigning British Sovereign,

Then the Queen is home.

They both looked up at the roof of Buckingham Palace and saw the Queen's flag was not flying.

Instead the Union flag had taken its place.

Kelty was very disappointed.

She really wanted to see the Queen.

I'm sorry Kelty,

Said grandma,

Putting her arm around her granddaughter and hugging her tightly.

She felt disappointed herself because she knew how much Kelty had longed to see the Queen.

It's nearly time to go into the palace,

Grandma said,

Looking at her watch.

Come on,

Let's go.

They walked round to the far side of Buckingham Palace where the tour would begin.

Soon they entered Buckingham Palace and was amazed by how grand,

Spectacular and colourful it was.

They were directed up the grand staircase with its elaborate and elegant gold railings.

The rooms were furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection,

Including paintings,

Sculptures,

Porcelain and the finest furniture in the world.

They were taken into the ballroom,

Which was enormous.

It was complete with its own organ and tables were laid out,

Ready for a banquet.

They enjoyed looking at this room with its grand design and the beautiful plates and cups and glasses and so much on the tables.

It certainly was a banquet set for a Queen.

Then they were taken into the blue drawing room where many of the Queen's outfits she had worn through her reign were on display.

Grandma eagerly looked and read about the magnificent clothes and was soon lost in thought as memories came flooding back to her as she remembered the Queen's history.

Kelty wandered behind her and enjoyed seeing the beautiful sparkly dresses.

Then,

Out of nowhere,

Kelty heard a noise.

She looked around but couldn't tell where the noise was coming from.

Then she heard the noise again.

Psst!

Down here!

Said a voice.

She looked down and there was one of the Queen's corgi dogs staring up at her.

I'm glad I've got your attention at last,

Said the corgi.

Come with me,

I need some help.

And without waiting for Kelty to reply,

The corgi set off and Kelty followed.

He took her into the throne room.

At the far end of the room Kelty could see two thrones side by side set upon a slight platform with an elegant red curtain trimmed with goldbray draped behind them.

The corgi stopped in front of the thrones.

The Queen keeps my treats in a tin under her throne,

The one on the left,

Said the corgi.

Can you get them for me?

Kelty looked around at the passing visitors but they either couldn't see the corgi or was taking no notice of what was going on.

Kelty went up to the throne and sure enough underneath was a small tin.

She pulled it out and opened the lid.

Inside was two small bone shaped treats.

She took them out and then placed the tin back under the throne before offering the treats to the corgi.

Thanks,

He said,

Chomping on the bones.

It took him less than a minute to eat the treats.

Then,

After searching around for any missed crumbs,

He licked his lips and smiled up at Kelty.

I needed that,

He said.

What can I do to repay you for your kindness,

He asked.

By the way,

My name's Monty.

Nice to meet you,

Monty.

My name's Kelty,

Replied Kelty.

And I really wanted to see the Queen,

But I noticed her flag wasn't flying on top of the palace today and there were only two soldiers guarding outside.

And then,

At the start of our tour,

The tour guide said the Queen is never here during the summer.

She is at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Monty listened with fascination to Kelty's sad story,

Impressed by how knowledgeable she was.

He thought for a moment and then said,

Follow me!

He ran out of the throne room,

Along the hallway and up a flight of stairs.

Kelty moved as fast as she could to keep up,

As he ran along another hallway and up another flight of stairs.

Then he stopped outside a door,

Which he scratched at with his paw.

The door slowly opened and Monty went inside,

Followed by Kelty.

The door closed behind them and Kelty looked around.

The room was large and elegantly decorated,

With two chairs placed in front of a large curved picture window which looked out across the palace gardens.

At that moment,

Another door to Kelty's left opened and in walked the Queen,

Followed by four more corgi dogs.

He gasped as Monty said,

This is Kelty.

The Queen,

Who didn't appear shocked that her corgi could talk,

Said,

Hello Kelty,

You must be one of Monty's friends.

I'm just about to have tea.

Would you care to join me?

Kelty was lost for words.

She truly didn't think she would see the Queen today and now here she was about to have tea with her.

Hello Your Majesty,

Kelty said timidly.

Don't be shy dear,

The Queen said,

Trying to put Kelty at ease.

Call me Lilibet.

I'm off duty now and nobody knows I'm here.

I meant to be in Scotland but I wanted to have some quiet time and pretend for a moment that I am just a normal person.

Sit down here and enjoy the view of the gardens before tea comes.

This is my favourite spot in the palace.

They both took a seat and the corgi sat at the Queen's feet.

This is Emma,

Lynnae,

Willow and Holly,

Said the Queen,

Pointing to each corgi as she named them.

You've already met Monty I see,

She added.

He's the cheekiest corgi I've ever owned and surprises me daily.

Have you always had corgi dogs?

Asked Kelty,

Thinking about her own little dog back at home.

I have had other breeds of dog but my favourite is the corgi,

The Queen said.

My first corgi was an 18th birthday present named Susan and since then I have owned over 30 of them.

Do you have a dog?

Yes,

Replied Kelty,

Feeling a little more relaxed now.

He's a tiny chihuahua,

Jack Russell Cross,

Called Duggee.

He's my best friend and we have lots of adventures together.

That's wonderful,

Said the Queen.

Dogs are such good pets and a great company too.

Are you visiting here alone?

No,

My grandma is downstairs looking at the display,

Said Kelty.

Oh good,

Remarked the Queen,

Well we won't keep you too long.

At that moment the door opened and in came the maid with a tray.

She placed it on the table in front of them and then asked,

Do you require anything else ma'am?

No,

Answered the Queen,

That will be all,

Thank you Alice.

Alice gave a little curtsy and left the room.

Kelty looked at the items on the very large tray.

The tea was in an elegant silver teapot,

The milk in a silver jug and a small silver bowl was filled with sugar cubes with a tiny pair of silver tongs laid across the top.

The teacups were made from fine bone china,

Decorated with a delicate pattern of pink rose buds with saucers and plates to match.

The final item on the tray was the biggest cake Kelty had ever seen.

How do you like your tea Kelty?

Asked the Queen.

Milk and two sugars please,

Kelty replied.

The Queen poured the tea and then passed Kelty hers.

Would you like a slice of cake to go with that?

She asked.

I always like a piece of cake in the afternoon.

My favourite is chocolate biscuit cake because I adore chocolate and I'm secretly a bit of a chocloholic but today we have a delicious Victoria's sponge.

It looks yummy said Kelty.

I don't think I have ever had anything like that before.

The Queen cut Kelty a generous slice.

It's a light sponge cake with buttercream and fresh raspberries inside and a light dusting of icing sugar over the top she explained.

She passed Kelty a plate with a slice of cake upon it.

Here's a napkin she said.

Enjoy.

They ate their cake in silence as they savoured the moist texture and sweet taste.

The Queen took a sip of her tea and Kelty asked.

Do you take sugar in your tea?

Well said the Queen.

My perfect cup of tea is Twining's Earl Grey tea with a splash of milk and no sugar.

Kelty smiled pleased to know the answer at last.

She finished her last mouthful of cake and drank her tea.

Thank you for tea Lilybet she said.

I will never forget this.

You are very welcome said the Queen but you can't tell anyone.

Remember I'm here in secret.

She stood up and walked over to her desk which was in the far corner of the room.

She took something out of one of the drawers and came and sat back down next to Kelty.

Here's a souvenir of your visit with me she said,

Handing Kelty a small box.

Carefully Kelty opened the box and inside was a large silver coin.

It's beautiful said Kelty.

Thank you so much.

It's a coin commemorating my platinum jubilee said the Queen.

I've been on the throne for 70 years.

That's a long time in one job.

Yes it is agreed Kelty.

She put the coin back into its box.

I will put it with my other pieces of treasure she said and my souvenir from the Tower of London.

Oh what souvenir did you get there?

The Queen asked.

Kelty took it out of her pocket and showed her.

It was a silver charm of a raven.

It's beautiful said the Queen.

The perfect gift for a princess.

Thank you said Kelty.

I did enjoy seeing the ravens.

They are quite characters said the Queen.

It's never a dull moment when they're around.

That's true Kelty said and smiled as she thought of the six ravens she helped at the Tower of London.

I think I should be going now said Kelty.

My grandma will be looking for me.

Yes that's a good idea said the Queen.

Monty take Kelty back to her grandma please.

Monty came over and stood by Kelty as the Queen opened the door.

Goodbye Kelty she said.

It was lovely to meet you.

Monty led Kelty back to the blue drawing room just as grandma came to the end of the display.

Bye Kelty said Monty.

Thanks for getting the treats for me.

And before she could answer Monty had run off.

Have you enjoyed the display Kelty?

Asked grandma as Kelty went up beside her.

Yes grandma said Kelty.

I've had a wonderful time.

We've nearly finished here and I'm chattered said grandma.

I think I'll have a nap on the train ride home.

It was just starting to get dark as they made their way back to Waterloo station.

As they rode the big red London bus Kelty enjoyed seeing the bright coloured lights which lit up the streets and the buildings making London look so magical.

Soon they were on the train and Kelty leant on her grandma and they snuggled together for the journey home.

That was so much fun said Kelty yawning.

Thank you for a wonderful birthday treat grandma.

I'm glad you enjoyed it said grandma kissing the top of Kelty's head.

I learnt so much about London today said Kelty.

I can't wait to tell my friends about it.

Grandma smiled pleased that Kelty had learnt some of London's history in a fun way.

Then she too closed her eyes as she heard Kelty's gentle snores both exhausted from the adventures and excitement London had given them.

Thanks for listening to my story.

I hope you enjoyed it.

Before you go I'd like to ask you a question.

Which famous person would you like to meet?

Thanks again for listening and come back soon to hear another story from grandma.

Bye for now.

Reviews

Thank you for brightening up the night with your wonderful stories!!!!!

Your biggest fan
Audrey!!

My sister shares a birthday with Queen Elizabeth. Her birthday is 24th of May, same with my friend and my dad. My birthday is 19th of May like my Best friend and my old dog ruby who I'd dead 😭. I would like to meet Jojo Sewa because she shares a birthday with me 🤣.

I loved it ❤️
Please make more Kelti stories.
From Sylvie

👌👌👌😃😃😃love the story can you please make a part 4 (kelti comes back to the corgis and the queen to explore London) 😃😃😃🙏🙏🙏
From Noah

Loved it thank you! And to answer your question I’d like to meet George Strait or benson Boone thanks again❤️🩷🙏

I I ant to meet Sabrina Carpenter becuse she is soo good at singing

Awesome I have always wanted to visit London where does kelti live that she is able to go to London

So cute 🥰🐕+👧🏻+👸🏻=fun
I would like to meet Taylor Swift 👩🏻‍🎤🫶

Amazing! I didn’t get to hear the last 8 mins but I have a reason, I was walking out for some water so I paused the med. when I came back I forgot….haha, idk if your still making a basketball med but that would light up my heart if I saw there was a med called Kelti And Louie Play Basketball

My daughter adored this great story💖
And she would love to meet Taylor Swift but she didnt get tickets🙁 But she got tickets to Olivia Rodrigo’s concert!💎🥳
Great story👍

I dunno who I’d want to meet. Maybe Benee the singer. How old is kelti and do u know the movie avatar?

Flo flo and Willa xoxo
💋 😘 🥰 ❤️ 😘 🥰 💋
P.s. or maybe I’d like to meet Taika Waititi with my dad and brother. ACTUALLY I WOULD WANT TO MEET TAYLOR SWIFT 😃

I would like to meet you! You are amazing!
Thank you for your stories :)

What queen was it was is Queen Elizabeth2nd or another one

To answer the question:"I would like to meet Dolly Parton, Ned Kelly but he died, Emma from the Wiggles and Simon from the Wiggles, the characters from The Saddle Club, Willy Wonka, Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Chris Hemsworth, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift,Billy Eilish, Hilary Duff, Mara Wilson,Eddie Murphy and The characters from the Adams Family!”

I want to see the queen of englind
And l was born in London
Zali

Dose the flags and god's change in rela life? And why ? 🌁🌺🐕☕🚂🚞🏰🕌🎡🏙️🇬🇧🦅🦩

I forget the question but I have question for you what age is Fiona no I remember question i would like to meet Emma watson are u and her family u have the same last name Could you please consider another Kitty story🐈🐈‍⬛🐱 Love your meditations please make more

The Queen👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼👸🏼

Omg I have that coin and I want to meet stellar an artist in music and sssniperwoolf the YouTuber last time I reviewed this I was at my grandmas

Awesome story!! I loved it so much!! ❤️ Can you do a story about 2 cats? One called lemon 🐈 a orange cat and the other Called Lana. A black cat 🐈‍⬛ with orange stripe on her nose. Finally to answer your question I would love ❤️ to meet either Zendaya ❤️ Or Millie Bobby Brown ❤️ Keep up the work and make more kelti stories!!!

- Zoey - LiPings Daughter ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😊😊😊😊😊🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈👍👍👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰🥰💤💤💤💤💤💤

Really liked it. In going to london in the end of july. Does Kelti have like a special power to hear animals? Also what does Kelti look like?

Just curious thanks for recording these really liked them