Europe 2016 Sept 2nd Day 5 London

Lazy get up this morning in preparation for a visit to see Queenie. Took the tube to South Kensington for a lovely brekky of Eggs Benedict (first one this trip ) at Bill's and a quick email/Facebook check before catching the tube to Victoria station and a short walk to Buckingham Palace.
We had a 10am entry to the Queen's Gallery which was currently showing an exhibition of Maria Merian's butterfly's and  Scottish artists 1750 - 1900. Both excellent exhibitions but the butterfly paintings were exquisite, all paintings were at a one to one ratio and contained every step of the life cycle of each butterfly and it's native plant. Fantastic and all painted around the early 1700's.
We then visited the Royal Mews which displayed the Royal coaches, cars and horses before a short break, including Royal icecream before entering the State Rooms at 12.30. I've been to Versailles but this was different. Versailles Palace was good but the gardens were the main feature, here the Palace room's were the prominent feature; they were amazing. It is so easy to spend / waste time in each room but you must keep moving. Just loved it. We were lucky that an exhibition of the Queen's dresses was on display as well and this was totally absorbing in itself; even the hats she has worn over the decades.
We finally exited and stopped for a snack; scones, jam and clotted cream with coffee before leaving via the garden which is nothing compared to Versailles.
We then walked to Wellington Arch and climbed to the top for a lovely view of the area. After this we started to walk back to the "Deluxe" through Hyde Park which seemed to be a very long way with feet getting more sore with every step.
Got back to the "Deluxe" and picked up all our washing and went to the launderette. Jane stayed while I went to our local with WiFi to find another place to stay. Found the "Grand" a couple of blocks away and then walked there to check it out. Done. Had to go back to the local to book, but done. Took the washing back and then found a great little Italian where we had a great chicken pizza before heading back for a much required sleep, happy in the knowledge this is our last night at the "Deluxe".