London 3: The Osborne House

The Osborne House was only meant to be a summer home but Queen Victoria and her family found it a perfect refuge from the trappings of royalty that they spent a lot more time here than was expected. In fact, Victoria spent most of the rest of her life here in seclusion after his prince's death at the age of 42. Upon seeing Windsor Castle and the State Apartments, my reaction was 'Wow', here however it was a feeling of sadness and eerieness especially when I was in the bedroom where the lonely queen died (1901) and the dining room where a wake was held before bringing her to London. On a positive note, at least one realizes that she and Prince Albert and their nine children and some grandchildren were able to live as normal as they could and enjoy each other in this lovely home with its vast grounds and gardens. Most of the giant oaks and other trees were planted upon the behest of the prince when they acquired the property and have always been silent witnesses to history. The terraces, the Swiss House and the walled garden are all worth visiting. Photography inside is not allowed but I was able to take pictures of the outside from the upper level windows. At least I was afforded a view of what royalty saw when they looked out their windows.
(September 12, 2010)