Monthly Archives: November 2011

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flotilla

28 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in England, Sailing, The Royal Family, Travel, Uncategorized

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There is a major press event this evening (Monday 11/28) – a reception hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace for journalists expected to cover the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year.

According to the UK Press Association release, “In honour of the guests the palace’s East Gallery will be renamed the Tweet Suite for the night – for those who want to post online messages – and the space will also contain displays about the Queen’s Golden and Silver Jubilees.”  A Tweet Suite. You’ve got to love it! It’s a new age.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to attend and mingle with the press.

June 2012 is the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in honor of her 60 year reign. There are many special events planned, but the one that I feel has the potential to be the most memorable will be the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant at high water on the afternoon of June 3rd.

Photo by Azeri

As the London mayor’s press release reveals, the Queen will lead a massive flotilla of up to one thousand boats beautifully dressed in streamers and union jacks. The boats will be assembled from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world.  The event organizers are planning for well over one million people lining the banks of the Thames to join in the celebration and witness the grand parade of boats.

Canaletto, "Westminster Bridge from the north on Lord Mayor's Day" oil painting, 1746

The flotilla is expected to measure 7.5 miles from end to end and will be one of the major focal points of the celebration during the special Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. The plan is that there will be a diverse mix of historic and modern; from rowed boats to sailing ships, steamers to wooden launches and larger motorized craft.The flotilla specially aims to “capture the diversity of Britain and the Commonwealth’s proud maritime history”.

The Diamond Jubilee River Pageant will have music, and fireworks and special effects. The flotilla will be made up of 5 special sections, each separated by a “herald barge” the first of which will be a floating belfry of eight new bells.  Their peals will be answered and echoed by chimes from riverbank churches along the route. There are even plans for special daytime fireworks and a mechanical flame spitting dragon. Yikes! What fun!

It promises to be a spectacular event, and even though the deadline for boat entries passed on October 31st, it makes me want to find a boat and join in the excitement. Maybe we’ll have to settle for a spot on the shore.

If you want information on this extraordinary, historical event, go to the Thames Diamond Jubilee pageant site for full details.

Into the woods with Andy Goldsworthy

26 Saturday Nov 2011

Posted by in Art, sketching, Uncategorized

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A true favorite inspiration of mine is British artist Andy Goldsworthy.  I remember years ago seeing an installation of his at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and being intrigued enough by the rock formations that I wanted to read more about him.

Andy Goldsworthy Roof photo by Ser Amantio Di Nicolao, Wikipidea Creative Commons

He works and lives in Scotland, but creates the most amazing site specific land art and sculptures all over the world. Not only are they visually stimulating, but they correctly illustrate how fragile our world really is.  Many of his installations are not meant to be permanent, but become part of their natural surroundings. He uses leaves, twigs, ice or stone.  Somehow the work is startling, but still blends into its environment.  And he has a meticulous patience that I could not ever achieve. (I found what looks like a lovely packet guide to his work on the Barnes & Noble site)

copyright Andy Goldsworthy

I read one of Laura’s charming posts on Happy Homemaker UK, “Tips For Hiking With Kids”, and it made me recall one of my creative retreats where a group of women artists connected with the trails and woods in the North Carolina Mountains for a week.

I had been working for days on my “Dogwood” series of conte drawings. The mountain house is very rustic, and fairly isolated, but we had good company and lots of food stashed away for the duration.

We had no tv, no phones, but lots of nature (and a few bottles of wine) to entertain us. Our friend and social organizer, my BFF who is an art teacher in LA, brought a video along on Andy Goldsworthy that we could play on her computer.  That was our after dinner activity.

To spend the day sketching and working so close to nature, and then see what this master environmentalist came up with was phenomenal. He takes the most mundane natural elements and creates these ethereal visual moments in time that are astounding.

On a much smaller scale I went outside the next morning and created my own environmental play. It was fun to come out during the day and watch as it slowly slipped away.

My attempt to connect to my surroundings visually

It was an interesting break from my drawing, and made me realize the different ways an artist can actually connect with nature. I went back to my art table with renewed interest, and finished the branches/mountain dogwood series. Such a luxury to be totally immersed in your environment and be able to express it in art.

One of my drawing of dogwood branches

 

Thinking of Thankful

23 Wednesday Nov 2011

Posted by in Art, paintings, Uncategorized

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I had a long drive north this past week, and had lots of time to think of all those things that I am truly thankful for. On this particularly American holiday, it is wonderful to look at the past year and realize that it is an amazing life. My Beloved Brit has learned to share and love the holiday also, although I have a feeling it may have a lot to do with the huge feast and gathering of friends that most attracts him to this tradition. He always loves a party with food involved. But back to being thankful (you notice how these posts often sway over to the food category).

1. I love being an artist.  For years I was a graphic designer, and as much as I loved running my own studio and doing some incredible projects, there is just nothing like painting for myself (see www.patwhitehead.com) and doing whatever I feel like.  I am so lucky to have two wonderful galleries that accept my work open heartedly.

My studio over the garage. What an absolute joy to have a room devoted totally to my art.

My solo show "Transitions" at Gallery 50 a few years ago

My solo show "Encounters" this past year at USC

The USC show again.

2. Family.  Throughout my life, through ups and downs, my family has always been there for me.  And I am talking about brothers and sisters who have very busy lives of their own.  They were always willing to share their lives with me, and sometimes even their children to an “auntie” who loves kids but never had any of her own. I love all my nieces and nephews, now on both sides of the pond.  How lucky can you get.

My nephews spending part of their summer with us when we lived in the Caribbean.

This year we all got together on the outer banks of North Carolina for this same nephew's wedding (he's a lot older now). There were many long walks on the beach to catch up with news.

3. Friends. And each year there are more of them, thank goodness.  I love them in their diversity and their joy. I hear people say all the time it is harder to make friends as you get older. This may be true, but somehow I keep adding an additional one or two to the collection of old friends whom I truly cherish. And what is even more amazing now, with MBB’s friends added to the mix, we have friends everywhere in the world.

Last Christmas with BFF Donna (on the right) and Yoko (on the floor) on the west coast in California.

4. My Beloved Brit. Most of all I am thankful for him. I am constantly amazed how we found each other at a point in our lives when we were both happy living on our own, happily surrounded by friends and family and content with our interests (mostly art for me and sailing for him, but you know that).

We both had great lives when we met, but I must admit, it has just gotten better with him to share it with.  I love the melding of our two worlds…the Yank and the Brit. His humor amazes me.

Me and MBB a couple of Thanksgiving's ago, celebrating in the California dessert with friends. We did a huge turkey on an outdoor grill.

Just this week he went over to the house we have under contract that we have literally been trying to sell off and on for 3 years.  As usual he had been flying the flag of England at the front door.  But this week he took it down and put up the American flag since “…he was returning the property to the colonials.” You’ve got to love that man.

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all, no matter where in the world you are.

But is it cod?

19 Saturday Nov 2011

Posted by in Cornwall, England, Food, Uncategorized

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Whenever we go to the seaside town of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to deliver my art to the gallery that represents me there,  we always have to stop for fish and chips at Go Fish.

photo by me

My Beloved Brit is very particular about his Fish and Chips.  Once we’ve searched it out in any area we visit, the first question as he gazes at the menu is “Is it Cod?” If not, it’s just not the same thing.

When we met his cousins in Cornwall and went to the historic seaport of Fowey, we stopped for lunch.  They had the puffiest, biggest center cut pieces of cod, along with spectacular mushy peas (you don’t want to know) and of course chips (fries to us yanks).  His cousins looked in horror as I opened the puffed golden fried batter and ate the white moist fish out of the center.  It was fabulous, but honestly, they just couldn’t see the point.

And yes, Go Fish has lovely cod for their fish and chips, and the friendly British accents to go with it.

 

 

 

 

My fantasy island–a romantic tale

16 Wednesday Nov 2011

Posted by in British Virgin Islands, Guana Island, Travel, Uncategorized

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In the middle of the Caribbean lies a tiny 850 acre island resort called Guana which is part of the British Virgin Islands. It is a magical place. That is where I met My Beloved Brit a little over 15 years ago.

The view from the top of Guana Island

I was working in Washington DC, and after two of the worst snow storms in ages, I decided I had had enough. There were piles of snow everywhere. The roads were impassable. And the quote from our mayor in the local newspaper was “The Lord givith, and the Lord taketh away”. So much for expecting the snowplows to rescue us.  It was time to leave town for awhile. I found a book called the 100 Best Resorts of the Caribbean and started hunting for an escape.

About half way through the book,  I found an intriguing review of a small private resort located on a tiny island right off Tortolla in the British Virgin Islands.  Guana. The resort description sounded very British (always a plus) and very tropical (an absolute must at the moment) and I was ready for an experience that seemed like summer camp for adults with gourmet food.

At that time, there was a maximum of about 30 guests on the island at any one time, a scattering of tiny cottages overlooking the blue seas, shrimp colored flamingos in the pond and lots of staff.  Little did I know the staff was the key.

I packed my bags and was picked up at the Tortolla airport by one of the island’s welcoming boatmen, who placed my luggage on a small boat at a nearby dock and took off across the water.

I was traveling alone.  I often did.  I never found going on holiday by myself at all intimidating. I loved the freedom of it. And this was special.

At the dock I was greeted by the manager, was given an hibiscus flower to place in my hair, and my bags were wisked away to the room while I registered. (Of course my first reaction was not to let them out of my site for a minute–my New York background coming through–but one sip of punch and they could have taken them anywhere)

The door to my cottage

I was in heaven.  The resort, which has a fascinating history of Quaker settlers and American ex-pats, consisted of the main stone house where cocktails and dinner were served, and the most spectacular beaches ever.  And scattered over the high hillside were the most beautiful little whitewashed cottages glistening in the sun.  One of them was mine.

I quickly unpacked and ran down the “mountain” path to the beach.  It was time for some serious relaxation.

My beach

I had the entire beach to myself, so I picked a lounge chair, placed my sunhat on my head and took out a book.  After a few minutes I went over to the small hut under the palm trees where there were cold drinks for the guest’s convenience, and sat in the shade to cool off.

Within minutes this handsome man rode up in a golf cart along the sandy road. He had the Guana staff shirt on, but I had not seen him before. I would have remembered.  I had my favorite coral colored bikini on which I am sure had nothing to do with him being so friendly.  It was part of the welcome package.  He got a cold drink and started “chatting me up”, a curious British term that means throwing a few lines at a girl. The accent, as I may have mentioned somewhere before, hooked me immediately, but it was the sense of fun and the stories that really held my interest.

After exchanging the basic information he was off .  He was the chief engineer of the island, which not only meant making the drinking water from sea water, and chasing the donkeys off the tennis courts, but also being very welcoming to guests.  After working for a bank in London for most of his adult life,  this is where he ended up, to my great luck. And of course the fact that he was stuck on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere didn’t dissuade him from thinking that I was a goddess.

Later that evening, i saw him again at the cocktail reception in the main house before dinner, and realized that this was a man who I could talk to for a very long time, accent or not.  He must have felt the same about me.

Guana Island at sunset

I suspected after four fabulous days on the British side of paradise, that I would never see him again once I left. But within a few days of my returning home to the frigid regions up north, I got a phone call from a tiny island in the middle of nowhere. The rest as they say, is history.

We would come back to the Caribbean to live and spend lots more time in the BVI, and we would be back on Guana, but it could never possibly be as magical as that first winter visit.

My 4 favorite art materials

14 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in Art, England, Grasmere, paintings, sketching, Uncategorized

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Of course you should know by now, if you have been following this blog, that I love to make “pictures”.  I am driven.  Put a pencil in my hand and somehow I start drawing wobbly lines.

I have always thought it is curious that people who don’t think they can create art say “I can’t draw a straight line”. Neither can I.  My lines swirl and gash and streak, but very rarely go straight.  Every once in awhile I do a piece featuring architecture and have to concentrate on edges and angles,

Metropolitan Spring, oil on canvas, private collection

…but more often than not, the lines move in waves and swirl around the paper or canvas in organized abandon.

Wave #9, oil on canvas, artist's collection.

Finding my inspiration in England is perfect for my style of movement and emotion.  The whole countryside seems to swirl with energy.  I am never more pleased than walking in the country with a breeze blowing and a faint mist in the air.  Of course those days of pure sunshine in England are also nice, and I have experienced my fair share of those.

An early morning walk in the Lake District near Grasmere

I have created art for more years than I can count, and I thought it might be of interest to talk about why I chose the mediums I do to work with.  We fine artists all have our personal favorites, and like old friends we become very comfortable with them knowing their strengths and accepting their weaknesses.

1. Oil Paint – this has to be my all time favorite.  I am sure one of the reasons is that the oil painting studio is where I spent the majority of my artistic time at University.  I must admit I never did well with stretching the canvases, but I loved the glistening, smooth paints gliding over the surface.

My paint box in sweet disarray

The variety of color is inspirational, and if I add a touch of linseed oil, I can layer the pigment in a way that bits of color from each layer shimmer through.  It dries slowly so at different stages I can either mix other colors through the layer if it is still wet, or put a sheer layer over the dry so it comes through. It is such a forgiving process.  I can change my mind a thousand times, I can stroke it or scrape it or pile it on. (See my post Art on the Move to see how that works)

Metropolitan Spring in the studio

Everytime I look at a display of those tubes of paint in a store or catalogue or online, I am like a child in a candy store with too many choices.  One of my favorite parts of beginning a painting is choosing the colors. Sometimes wanting to try a unique color palette will drive my subject choice.

2. Pastels  – I was in Yosemite National Park in California on holiday by myself many years ago (before MBB) and I decided this was just too good to pass up, art-wise.  I had no art materials with me (I have since learned and never go on holiday without at least a good sketch pen) so I went in to the art supply store in the center of this gorgeous valley.  How considerate of them to sell art supplies right in the park! There on the shelf, right next to the Ansel Adams calendars, was a set of pastels and a small sketch book which I thought would be easy to put in my pack.

My current pastel box. The choices of color are limitless with blending!

I spent the entire vacation trying to figure out how to use the things, and finally realized if I layered the colors like I did the oils and blended it with finger, eraser or other tool, it had a wonderful effect. Pastels have become a true friend.

A wild color study of a flamboyant tree done in pastels, collection of the artist

3. Conté – this is a intriguing mixture of compressed charcoal or graphite mixed with a wax base. Conté crayons are most commonly found in black, white, and sanguine tones ( a blood red that is perfect for accenting areas).

It is harder than chalk (almost like a soft pencil), but can blend like pastel.  I remembered using it in school when quite young, and when I noticed it on a shelf of an art supply store, I thought this would be fun.

Pineapple, private collection

It works, again, with the same layering and blending technique I use with oils and pastels. I can build up my layers, blend them on the paper with the edge of my eraser, and then easily add sharper detail on top.

a conte drawing on colored paper

4. Pen & Ink: If you read my post, The Art of Sailing, you can understand why I love pen & ink.  With a small sketch book in my pocket and a pen, I can capture the world as I walk through the countryside. It is perfect for those English days when a camera is best kept in your pocket.

I have always used pen & ink as a sketching tool, a way to recall what I have seen rather than a finished medium, but I keep thinking I will explore it more one day.  It recalls Rembrandt and Durer, and I am always surprised how one small innocent tool can create such a variety of effects with marks and cross hatches and swooshes (a technical term for letting your hand go wild with pen on paper).

If you’ve ever thought you’d like to experience making art, just try it.  There are so many materials to explore.  And, who knows, you just may find a new way to express yourself and make friends with your own favorite material.

Look at my website for more of my art.

 

Sweet or sour? A discussion of Mint Sauce.

10 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by in Food, Uncategorized

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As you can tell by now, food is a hot topic in our household, and nowhere does the cultural differences between the two of us show up more than in the conflicting choices of those favorite dining details that we grew up with.

Two acceptable varieties of English mint condiment

Case in point is Mint Sauce vs. Mint Jelly.

Now, I grew up on the transparent, sweet, minty jelly that was the color of fresh mown spring grass.  It would actually twinkle when the sun hit a bowl of it at just the right angle. I loved it. It glistened. MBB thought it was disgusting.

My Beloved Brit was of course raised on lamb in all its fine variations (so very British), and the condiment of choice for this main meal was Mint Sauce.  It is the color and texture of seaweed left up on the beach for at least a fortnight, and has more of a tang to the taste than the American accompaniment.  Of course he is also apt to add just a splash more malt vinegar to give it that extra kick.

The amazing thing is, I have actually gotten used to this very British taste, and now prefer it with my Sunday roast.  Is it that my palate is growing more sophisticated and appreciating the finer things in life as he suggests, or am I once again blending in to his world seamlessly?

That, my readers, will be an ongoing discussion.

The Royal Tour

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by in England, London, The Royal Family, Travel, Uncategorized

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Thank you Visit Britain for putting together a great tour with a list of royal attractions to see in Britain. Just in case you’re planning a royal themed trip, here they are. I’ve realized I’ve only seen 6 of the 12 so far, so I need to get to work.

12 Best Royal Experiences in the UK

1). Westminster Abbey – A royal trip to Britain would not be complete without visiting the historic Westminster Abbey which has served as the venue for coronations since 1066, and the wedding of Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in April, 2011, was held here. Visitors to Westminster Abbey can see the graves of 17 monarchs, as well as memorials to many notable figures in British history. In addition, the Coronation Chair is part of the Abbey’s museum, along with pieces of art, stained glass, textiles and more. The Abbey is open to the public six days a week and an adult ticket costs £16.00.

2). Buckingham Palace – not only a London landmark but the official London residence of the British monarch. The palace has 19 state rooms that are open for public viewing each summer, from late July to early October, with complimentary audio tours. The Changing of the Guard takes place every other day, and daily in the summer, in front of the palace.

3). Windsor Castle – Just a quick train ride from London, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, one of the Queen’s official residences, and where she spends most weekends. Open year-round, an adult ticket costs £16.50 which gives visitors access to the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and special exhibitions: throughout 2012 there will be an exhibition entitled “The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years”.

4). Isle of Anglesey – Now the place that Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, call home, the Isle of Anglesey is known for its natural beauty. Visitors to the Isle of Anglesey can enjoy a visit to one of its many beaches or stroll along one of the coastal footpaths for a wonderful view of the Welsh coastline. For a tasty lunch, travellers can track down The Flaming Grill, a food truck that Prince William frequented during his training at the Royal Air Force Academy. Prince William was so impressed by that he gave it a royal seal of approval.

5). The Royal Yacht Britannia – a wonderful attraction to visit straight out of a royal fairy tale – this is where the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana honeymooned in 1981. During the 44 years that this ship served its country, The Royal Yacht Britannia carried the Royal Family on 968 official voyages all over the world. Now the ship is permanently docked in Edinburgh, where visitors can tour five of the ship’s decks. An adult ticket costs £11.00 and includes an audio tour.

6). Tower of London – Visitors wishing to see the Crown Jewels can do so at the Tower of London, where the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels, including the glistening Imperial State Crown, are housed. The Tower is steeped in history, having been used as a royal residence, military fortress and prison. Today, visitors enjoy touring the grounds and seeing The White Tower, Medieval Palace, prisoners’ exhibition and more, as well as keeping an eye out for the ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn, who is buried in the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.

7). Balmoral Estate – One of the Queen’s favourite summertime retreats is Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside. Here, visitors might spot the Queen – as travellers can take up residence by renting a lovely cottage on the estate. The grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public from April 1 to July 30.

8.) Enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames. – ahead of the Queen. On the afternoon of Sunday 3 June 2012, up to a thousand boats will muster on the River Thames in preparation for Her Majesty The Queen to lead the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. It will be one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river. Rowed boats and working boats and pleasure vessels of all shapes and sizes will be beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks, their crews and passengers turned out in their finest rigs. The armed forces, fire, police, rescue and other services are all afloat and there are an exuberance of historic boats, wooden launches, steam vessels and other boats of note. However you don’t need to wait till next June – there are boat rides all year on the River Thames, from leisurely cruises, to quicker “commuter” trips and the high speed RIB journeys.

9.) The Palace of Holyroodhouse – The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh, the palace has many connections with Scotland’s turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there in the 16th century. An adult ticket costs £10.50 including audio guide, or for £6.00 you can visit the Queen’s Gallery: in 2012 the exhibition “Royal Treasures: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration” will bring together some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, with a selection of 100 outstanding works.

10.) Sandringham Estate – near Kings Lynn in Norfolk is one of the Queen’s most beloved retreats. It has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862, and the Queen visits the estate every year on the anniversary of her father’s death. Today, visitors are welcome to Sandringham House and can walk through the beautiful gardens during the summer.

11.) Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey is the last and largest of King Edward I’s Welsh fortifications, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although construction was never completed, it is regarded as Wales’ finest castle.

12.) Kensington Palace – A royal residence in central London, Kensington Palace is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was also the official residence of the Duke’s mother, Princess Diana. The palace is currently undergoing a major transformation, to help visitors to better understand both the tales of the people that lived in the palace and its architectural and decorative schemes visitors can see the palace’s magnificent state apartments. The first of four planned exhibitions, on Queen Victoria, is due to open in time for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Meanwhile, visitors can experience the “Enchanted Palace” a series of installations offering a fascinating interpretation of the palace’s hidden stories.

Guests can also drink tea at The Orangery Restaurant next door to the palace, which has some of the finest selections of tea in London.

The Queen and I and New Technology

06 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by in England, The Royal Family, Uncategorized

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I came across an article today about the Queen joining Flickr. I am so proud of myself as a blogging newbie learning the appropriate technology necessary to create accentBritain. It’s nice to know the British Monarchy feels the same way about trying new things…

The Queen signs up to Flickr

These aren’t your average family snapshots.

Queen Elizabeth II is joining other proud parents starting Monday in showing off and sharing her photo albums – and those of the House of Windsor – on the online Flickr photo site.

The launch of the British Monarchy Flickr account will beef up Buckingham Palace’s online presence, adding to its Twitter account and YouTube channel. The site will stream the latest images of royal engagements as well as contain historic photos from the archives, the palace said.

Here is a family with history. More than 600 photos will be available for viewing at the launch – and many stretch back into the glories of the ancestors.

There’s a sepia-toned wedding picture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, their hands clasped, their faces turned to one another during a blissful moment in 1854. Another black and white picture captures Elizabeth’s parents – King George VI and the queen mother, gazing adoringly upon the fair, curly haired toddler who later became the monarch.

Browsing will be made easy with the images grouped under different themes.

Each family member has their own gallery – those who can’t get enough of say, Prince Harry, will find all his images in one handy folder. (There’s one for William fans, too.) Another gallery groups together snapshots of the queen’s recent visits to Canada and New York City. A “behind the scenes” collection shows the royal household at work during a state banquet.

The palace’s current website has a photo gallery, but it doesn’t have as many pictures and those available aren’t organized for such easy perusal.

But don’t even think about sharing any thoughts on the site about how Prince Charles might look in his diapers. Users won’t be able to leave comments on the photos.

However, people using Flickr can share and embed the royal photos in blogs and social media, officials said.

The Flickr account is just the latest step in the centuries-old monarchy’s efforts to keep up with modern technology.

After podcasting the annual Christmas queen’s speech for the first time in 2006, Buckingham Palace began broadcasting official videos on YouTube.

Last year, the monarchy even ventured into online social networking. The British Monarchy Twitter account now tweets regularly to update its nearly 50,000 followers on all the latest royal news.

It’s not clear, though, whether the 84-year-old queen herself is an eager Flickr user.

“We never comment on the queen’s personal use of technology,” a spokeswoman said, while speaking on condition of anonymity in line with palace policy.