We left Settle, UK a couple of days early than we originally planned because we received invitations to Buckingham place to meet Prince William. Although we knew about this over a year in advance, my invitation was not guaranteed. My invitation only came about a month ahead of time. We received the invitations because of Kate’s involvement in the Kennedy trust. The Kennedy trust is an organization setup by the British people after the death of President John F Kennedy. I feel lucky just to have gotten an invite as the were very limited spots.
First about Max. Max went to the vet on Wednesday. He needed to get check up and a “fit to fly letter”. He passed with flying colors and did not need to get violated. He will need another fit to fly letter when arrive back in the States so can fly to Hawaii. While at the Vet in Settle we also picked up some “Milk Protein” capsules that are supposed to help keep him calm. It is supposed to work like a warm glass of milk. We also bought a scented spray (that is quite vile) to spray in his carrier. We tried both for our trip down to London, and boy does that spray stink. However it all seemed to work quite well he was very quiet on the trip down from London (5 hour car ride).
We checked in the Novatel in Hammersmith, about 15-20 mins from the Palace. Kate got us upgraded because she told the front desk staff that we were going to the Palace to visit the Prince. The locals know that the palace is closed this time of year and it only open for invited guests. We got ready and put on our finest clothes to go meet the Prince.
Originally it was going to be the Queen and not prince William, but it seems as though the prince is taking over some of her work load. We set off to the Palace. There were strict rules about having our entry passes, and a special pass to allow the black Cab into the Palace yard. 
We saw a line of black cabs out front of the hotel and thought it would be easy. When we got there, they were all off duty and empty. We went to front desk to call a black cab an it was going to take 10 mins. 15 mins later the cab had not shown up but luckily we saw a random black cab driver pass by, so we took his cab and left the other one to wonder what happened to us. We were now a bit late, although if traffic cooperated we would still make it 
before the Prince arrived. The traffic did not cooperate. It is disheartening to see people walking faster than the cab. We eventually arrived in front of the palace, and they removed the barriers to let us on the road in front of the palace, and then to front gate. At the front gate (as far as most people can get) the Taxi driver was asked to leave the cab, and the cab was searched. They checked under the bonnet (hood), they searched the boot (trunk). They used mirrors to look under the car. We had to show ID and our special purple passes. It was quite thorough but very efficient. After we were all cleared we drove into the Palace, past the the Queen’s guards. We were dropped off at the front
entrance. There were lots of “attendents” to make sure we did not wonder off. We had to leave our phones and other accessories behind. The reception was in the Picture Gallery (part of the normal summer time tour). It has some very nice art work. All of the corridors were nicely decorated. We got to see parts of the palace that the public never gets to see.
The reception was nice. The canapés and hor dourves were all unique and delicious. They also had real Champagne and it was free flowing. Sadly the prince had limited time and we did not actually get chat with him, but he walked right past us. He was getting escorted around the room. I have to say, I was quite impressed with him. I believe he will be good King. I think that he will continue to transform the Crown to be for the people of the United Kingdom. He is very humble, down to earth, and a big heart. I think he has a lot of his mom in him. He gave a nice speech on behalf of his grandma (his words not mine) and then took his leave to go home to be with Kate and the kids. His Kate, not mine. However, some reports suggest that Kate (my Kate) had one too many glasses of Champagne. This of course was not her first time having a bit too much
champagne at Buckingham Palace in the presence of royalty. She has also met the Queen. Just kidding about Kate having too much Champagne, but this was real, proper Champagne and it was quite nice and even the best of us could have easily gotten out of hand. There was no attempt at rationing it.
It was an experience of a lifetime. It was a bit overwhelming. There was a lot to take in. We are now in London at a nicely priced Air BnB place a couple of blocks from Kate’s parents. Max is doing fine, in his third new place this week. He seems to adapt quicker and quicker each time. He seems to figure it all out very quickly. We do wonder what his two brain cells (the left one and the right one) think about it all. Through it all he is the same old energetic, lovable Max, that still likes to get up at 4am regardless of where he is in the world.
