A Christmas Market at Clarence House
Whether it’s pre-ordering your Christmas-Morning case from Berry Bros. & Rudd, stocking up on strong-smelling parcels from Paxton & Whitfield or diving into Eton-outfitter New and Lingwood for last minute stocking-fillers for Gents - there is nowhere better to pick-up quintessentially British Christmas gifts than St James’s.
So with the bonfire burnt out and once-grinning pumpkins now withering in the back garden, the time is nigh’ to embrace the festive season…and so it was that the Scotsman and I trod the famed corridor of stately piles, stopping at the glossy black gates of Clarence House, for a really very British start to our Christmas proceedings.
Nodding importantly at the incumbent policemen as we passed those well-trodden lawns with their ancient cloak of plane trees, we stepped into the warmth of the narrow Charles Nash entrance hall, where coats were taken and glasses of Highgrove champagne were proffered.
Once inside the drawing room, a guide from the Royal Collection gave the history of the room’s artworks, which included HRH Prince Charles’s own watercolours of the Scottish highlands. Leaning-in for a closer look at the family photographs I was admiring Clare Waight Keller’s mastery on the Duchess of Sussex’s dress, when there echoed the words ‘Do take a mince pie; you’ll find them just over there…beneath the Monet.’ Naturally.
This was the signal for another household member to open the double-doors into the dining room and library, where - nestled amongst the collection of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s art collection - was a glorious array of decorations, glistening amongst soft folds of cashmere and spicely-scented food and drink - all from the Prince’s estate.
Determined to find a corgi for the London Christmas tree I set about perusing, as The Scotsman made a beeline for a case of bubbles for Christmas morning. Said corgi safely inside my {provided} red raffia shopping bag, I stealthily spied an elegant scarf in silver bannockbane tartan for my brother-in-law {who definitely doesn’t read this} - made by Royal Warrant Holder Johnstons of Elgin.
A copy of Wardrobe Wisdom: How To Dress and Take Care of Your Clothes by former Royal Ladies Maid, Alicia Healey felt too apt to pass up, as did a sturdy-looking handmade jug with a chirpy robin on it, by Buckinghamshire-based Jane Hogben. Two good additions to my mother’s Christmas stocking.
I managed - with some effort - to step away from Mavis, the delightful sheepskin footrest, and her buddy, Harriet who was life-sized and, quite frankly, the most perfect gift I could imagine receiving.
I didn’t see anyone actually walk out with one, but overheard one lady saying she would if it wasn’t for the fact that “It just won’t fit on the seaplane”…between that the Monet comment I was in heaven.
If you were otherwise occupied when HRH’s invitation landed, never fear, as Mavis and her pals are all available from the Highgrove Shop - including that illustrious champagne. Or if so inclined why not delve into the published list of Royal Warrant Holders here for some gift inspiration?
After a lovely morning and some laughs it’s just the Scotsman who isn’t quite into the Christmas spirit yet, as he waits patiently for his bubbles to arrive safely at his Scottish seat. So long as they arrive in time for the 25th…or heads will be sure to roll.
Happy Christmas prepping x
