An insight on the jamboree that is the Coronation of Charles Windsor in Britain by a German grandee beloved in these parts… leave royals in fairytales.
Of course Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, was more diplomatic.
But he did concede that in his home country people viewed far-off royal spectacles as fairytale or Hollywood.
Germany, like many of the 159 republics in the world, has emerged from monarchies.
While keeping and showcasing palaces for tourists who love a fairytale.
Gold Swan
Neuschwanstein in Bavaria falls into that category.
With the castle on a hill so dazzling Walt Disney that he copied it for Disney Castle.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria had a thing for swans as well as other pecadilloes and he put that stamp on everything around the New Swan Castle.
And most importantly in his bedstead.
But alas he was unable to avail of it all, dying before it was all finished.
And we imagine his passing was a thing of over-the-top theatrical and balletic beauty, a la a dying swan.
Of course, Neuschwanstein is far from the only once-royal palace which still draws the visitors…
More than 61 million people have visited since 1869.
And more than 1.3 million people visit annually, with as many as 6,000 per day in the summer.
Including this refugee from the Munich Beerfest who worked off his hangover by excitedly running up the hill.
Very Versailles
Versailles was the jewel in the French crown but once the people of France decided that it should be used for the state rather than some bling for their king it became a much-visited tourist spot.
While its own people can enjoy the great works of art and settings with free exhibitions and displays.
And so until October 31st, you can enjoy the musical gardens and the Great Musical Waters in the gardens and groves.
Every Saturday evening from 10 June to 23 September, Friday 14 July and Tuesday 15 August, discover the Gardens in the evening.
With the The Night Fountains Show.
While the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery in the Small Stables is also free to you and me from 12.30pm to 6.30pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Your carriage awaits
Now if you’ve been looking through your fingers at the UK royal show today.
You’ll have witnessed the slowest vehicle in London, the royal carriage.
Guess what though… in Paris you can get up close and personal for free.
Located in the the Great Stables , the Gallery of Coaches is open every weekend afternoons from 12.30pm to 6.30pm.
Of course all of this is run by us, and not by royal decree, or when we say us it’s really the French people.
Viva La Revolution
And a reminder of who is in charge is brought home to you in the Royal Tennis court, the birthplace of French democracy.
All of which is linked to an important episode of the Revolution. Every weekend from May to October from 12:30pm to 6:30pm (last admission at 17:45).
Of course, it will be likely a long, long time before it’s Game, Set and Match for the British monarch, if at all.
But for the day that’s in it wouldn’t it be better to leave royals in fairytales and enjoy your favourite Disney film.
