The Little Prince.

I had to interrupt the Cinque Terre sequence to celebrate the birth of HRH The Prince of Cambridge. Some of you may roll your eyes, but if you know me, you'll know how much I love the Royal Family. I have loved them since I was a little girl and would watch Diana and Charles' wedding over and over again on VHS.

I grew up in the 80s crushing on Prince William. I remember feeling secretly Jealous when Kate came on the scene, but when you saw them together you couldn't help but love them as a couple. I think it was during the engagement that I developed a girl crush on Kate. I truly felt that we could be friends (I'm certain I'm not the only girl who feels this way, hence her mass appeal). While I realize it's far too late for this (she's too cool for me now), I continue to enjoy watching their lives unfold. Their Royal Wedding was a dream come true. I loved every second of it (and bought the DVD).

Being in the same age brackets, I can live vicariously through them. They are two lovely people living a fairy tale.

Yesterday I woke up and went for my swim, expecting to get back and see photos of the couple leaving the Hospital with their new baby boy. When I arrived home and this hadn't happened, I worked on my  project for school. When the evening came and they still hadn't emerged, I figured this was a sign that I should go on a royal adventure.

As I couldn't convince anyone to join me (friends and family alike think I'm ridiculous), I went on my own. I headed to St. Mary's Hospital hoping to get a glimpse of the Happy Family. As crazy as this may seem to some people, I figured, I happen to be in London for this historic occasion, I may as well soak in the atmosphere.

I'm so glad I did. I emerged from Paddington station and found the hospital simply by heading towards the helicopters in the sky. The street was packed with photographers, news teams, tourists, and Londoners. Within five minutes I had made my way up to the fence (I'm still not sure how this happened), and within 20 minutes out came the proud new parents with their precious newborn bundle.

The above photos are from the Huffington Post, but below you will see what I was able to capture. My photos aren't terrific (when you have to hold your camera at arms length and snap away- you take what you can get), but it gives you and idea of the scene.

The crowd went crazy and we were all so delighted that they came right onto the street with their new (still nameless) baby boy. I wish you could have seen William. He was so happy. He had the biggest grin and could not stop smiling. He was the vision of a proud father when he got in the car and drove his new family home for the first time. It was a wonderful moment.

My Photos...

Even the Doctors were curious.

Reporters standing by.

Hospital employees hanging out the windows.

Recognize anything here?

Not everyone was there to support the happy couple.

A buzz filled the air when the Land Rovers pulled up...

And out they came.

William heading for the driver's seat. Didn't you love that he drove?

Quite certain he's waving at me. If only this could have happened 10 years ago.

A Happy Dad.

Kate and the little Prince.

After Will and Kate (and baby) pulled away, I continued my Royal Pilgrimage down to Buckingham Palace to take a look at the birth announcement.

News teams camped outside the Palace.

I arrived at 8:20pm, unfortunately 20 minutes too late. They had closed off the line to take pictures, anticipating that the easel would be taken inside at 8:30pm (precisely 24 hours after it was placed in the courtyard).

Lucky for me, as I stood there disappointed, I noticed a Maple Leaf in the line-up. Not only was it a Maple Leaf, but it was stitched on the sleeve of a Whitecaps Jersey (our Vancouver Soccer team). Surely they would take a picture for me. After convincing the nice Vancouver couple, and the nearest 'Bobby' that this was a good idea, I handed my expensive camera over to them as they filed up along the fence. I promised them a copy of the photos. They did a fantastic job (and thankfully returned my camera), and I was so grateful.

And here is the birth announcement about 30 seconds before it was taken away forever.

And now we get to wait for a name. Any thoughts? Though I'm not placing bets, I'm thinking Michael, Charles, James, or Phillip (do you sense a theme?).

We shall see.

Trooping the Colour 2013.

"What the heck is Trooping the Colour?"

 Good question. Let me tell you. It actually dates back to 1748 and traditionally marks the Sovereign's birthday.

"But Courtenay, Her Majesty's birthday is April 21st!"

Yes, but it is a long standing tradition to celebrate the Queen's birthday publicly on a day in the summer when good weather is more likely.

"Is it the same day every year?"

Don't be ridiculous. This year, it was the first Saturday in June, but it changes from year to year.

"I still don't get it. What is it?"

It's known as the Queen's birthday parade. It is carried out by fully operational troops from the Household Division (yes, I had to look this up). This includes Foot Guards and Household Cavalry.

The main event takes place on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. It is watched by members of the Royal Family, invited guests, and lucky members of the public (through a lottery system similar to the Olympics).

Those (like ourselves) who weren't lucky enough to get their hands on a pair of tickets, can line up along the Mall to see what they can see....and that is what we did.

Some get creative....clearly they've done this before.

Others get cosy....these two don't know each other. I promise.

During the Ceremony, the Queen is greeted by a Royal Salute, and carries out an inspection of the troops.

Below you can see her in the background, in her carriage inspecting the troops.

With very little warning, along came a carriage that made my day. I honestly don't know who I was happier to see. 

And then....

Ta Daaaaa.

I got to see 'them' on the way there...and on the way back (Bonus!).

"Then what?"

When the inspection and performance (military bands etc) are finished, Liz heads back to the Palace in a horse drawn Carriage. 

Back at the Palace, the family enjoys canapes (or so we suspect) while the Air Force get themselves ready, and we organise ourselves around the Palace gate. This allowed my heart rate to settle itself, which was key for what was about to take place. 

An hour or so after arriving back at the palace, the entire family (minus Phillip who was in hospital) join Her Majesty on the Balcony for a Fly-Past by the Royal Air Force (I will explain at the bottom just exactly how we lucked out to get as close as we did). 

Something tells me, something exciting is about to happen...

Drum Roll.....................and here they are.

And my favourite shot of the day (below). I still can't believe I took this. What is great is that I keep seeing similar photos in the British Media. Yes, I'm very pleased with myself.

And Princess Eugenie with her sister, Princess Beatrice. Did you know that Beatrice went to Goldsmiths also?

Prince Edward with his wife Sophie Countess of Wessex, and their children, Lady Louise, 

and James, Viscount Severn. On the Left is Princess Michael of Kent.

 Camilla, Charles, and the Birthday girl.

So how did we manage this? I actually owe this entire experience to Jeremy, N's father. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes down to events such as this one. He told us to arrive around 10am and position ourselves along the Mall (where the Mall connects with the road down to Horse Guards Parade). By standing here, you will see the entire procession march towards Whitehall, and back (along with the Royal Family). This also places you in the perfect spot, when they take the gates down to file in line behind the police, who lead you in a very orderly fashion all the way down to the Palace gates.

As long as you time it well and are at the front of the pack, you will be in the perfect spot to get a front row position along the fence for the fly-past.

This is what it looked like as we waited behind the police line to move forward down the Mall.

Did you have a great weekend? I am still on a high after my day with the Royals. Yesterday we spent the day at Ham Polo Club. I'll tell you about it later this week.

Enjoy your Monday.

I will leave you with a shot of the Duke and Duchess. She looks great doesn't she?