Generally, we Americans end up in London for two reasons; work or love. Mine being the latter, I met my very lovely English husband in the South of France - he was on holiday (see, I talk like one of them now) and I was a travel writer and had been sent to a grand hotel to do a story. My sister had joined me and we were in the lobby bar of the hotel having a last drink before flying home, early morning to Atlanta. I ordered a single malt scotch with a lemon wedge when I heard a voice say, "that's not cricket - lemon with scotch?" As they say, the rest is history. I married that Englishman (the humour did the trick) and 13 years later, I am still here. My game is now far more worldly and sophisticated and likewise, my husband has had introduction to the likes of Butterscotch Moonshine, grits and fried oysters. It has been adventurous, but what I never could have predicted was that this Georgia girl would be visiting Buckingham Palace, by appointment, to honour my husband.
On a Fall afternoon, a letter came through the mail box with gold, gilded, raised lettering, return posted Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade. Tempted to steam it open, I waited for my husband Martin to come home guessing it was something to do with The Prince's Trust or another charity that Martin might have made a contribution to. To our surprise, the letter explained that Martin had been nominated by his peers to become an MBE for Outstanding Services to the community. An MBE or Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an award that was established in 1917 by King George V to British subjects who do something remarkable for their country. Another 18 months passed and we did not hear anything. Nearly two years later another letter came through and this time my 10 year old son Henry and I opened it! And indeed, my husband was to be awarded the honour of an MBE on June 27th 2015 at Buckingham Palace, for Services to Hairdressing Training, particularly Youth Training. Martin has government-funded colleges that teach children basic life skills (reading & maths), computer skills and many other trades with a focus on hairdressing. To date, he has trained over 30,000 children, many of whom had fallen through the educational cracks, and put them gainfully into the work place. I could not wait for him to come home that night. When Martin opened the door, Henry was in a velvet crown and cape and presented the letter to Martin on a silver platter whilst royal music played and the champagne awaited.
Going to Buckingham Palace could be compared to visiting the White House but this particular honour is intrinsic to the UK and the Commonwealth. We needed to brush up on royal etiquette, I knew very little. I painstakingly found the right dress and had a hat custom made by milliner to the royals, Rosie Olivia. I learned that women keep hats on indoors, men remove them, that is the general rule. Martin could take three people to the palace so myself and our two sons Aaron and Henry would attend. Martin's best mate loaned him a silk top hat from royal milliners Lock and Co. that his father had worn when he had also received an honour at the Palace. Being superstitious, I gave the boys red socks for good luck and our 10 year old was given leave from school. We checked into Hotel 41 the night before which is next door to the Palace and an exceptional find. They treated us like royalty having had many guests stay there who had been invited to the Palace.
We woke up early, hair and makeup arrived and the hour approached. As we walked to the Palace gates, hundreds of tourists suddenly turned and the cameras started clicking. My son Henry has red hair and in tails and a cravat, he looked quite like a Prince and we played along enjoying our 15 minutes of celebrity. Armed guards gave us entry upon viewing our invite and we were closely marshalled and directed through what appeared to be modest security but, indeed, hundred of cameras were upon us and I suspect tastefully disguised metal detectors as well. We were to check all coats, bags, cameras and phones.
On every perimeter there were immaculately tailored, armoured and medaled personnel from services including the Queens body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard and the Gurkha Orderly Officers who escort the Queen into the ballroom. The royal red carpet is so plush that I had to walk gingerly so as not to fall, and the walls are filled with remarkable works by Vermeer and Constable, breath- taking floor to ceiling tapestries. My son said that he had been studying one of the paintings at school and my older son said with humour, "old money." My husband was taken off to be coached for the ceremony and we were given a programme and seated to enjoy the music by the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra playing from Elgar to Les Miserables.
In the morning, I had looked out the hotel window and noticed that the Union Flag was being flown, thus indicating that the Queen was not in residence, meaning another royal would be instructing today's Investitures and it was to be H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. When Prince Charles walked in, we all stood as 'God Save the Queen' was played, and I felt grateful that the make up artist had suggested waterproof mascara. As the recipients were sent up to Charles, Lord in Waiting, the Viscount Hood would offer some details into Prince Charles' ear, who would ask a few questions then hang the medal on a special lapel hook which made it easy to embellish. Each and every candidate had created, performed, achieved or inspired the people of the UK, including my husband, making an impact on this great country, not necessarily to create personal wealth, but primarily to make our Kingdom a better place. When my husband came forward, my heart was bursting with love and pride and it was an inspiration that my children will never forget. Charles asked him about his work with his Trust and in honesty, my husband said he was so nervous he doesn't much remember the conversation.
We were told that we might be invited to the Queens Garden parties and that our children have the privilege to marry in St. Paul's Cathedral. I feel very proud to be an American living in the UK and although at times I find it exasperating repeating myself, and pronouncing my T's, I tell my children to stay open to experience and chance, you never know who you will meet and where romance or a career might take you.
Alex Kolton is an American Voice Overs artist and a freelance writer.