Our second "royal" invitation this week was for dinner at the 16th century Hampton Court.
Although some came by coach, our mode of transportation to Henry VIII's palace was by car. Just a short drive outside the city, we reached Hampton Court just shy of an hour, a much quicker trip than the boat ride up the Thames River that Henry VIII would take from Whitehall to Hampton when he headed to his palace.
Knights stood nearby ready to do our bidding, along with jesters and musicians.
After a lovely hour of drinks and appetizers in the courtyard, dinner was held in the Great Hall, built in 1532, and richly decorated with pendants, royal arms, stained glass windows and a hammer-beam roof.
Many very important guests were there, including King Henry VIII himself with his wife Katherine Parr, and
Sir Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor to Henry VII. But probably the biggest celebrities of the night were the after dinner entertainment.
Where were you in the 80's when these guys were "Hungry Like the Wolf?" That's right, an up close and personal concert by Duran, Duran. And close as we were to the band, we weren't the ones you'll see dancing at their feet. Well, maybe tapping our toes and swaying a bit, but definitely not dancing at their feet! Here's a peek....
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