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GOING ASHORE EXPERIENCE:
VISITING THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA Rooms Of State |
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Britannia was not a pleasure craft. Rather, her primary function was to carry out what may be called diplomatic work - - meeting and networking with heads of state, dignitaries and business people - - in order to advance the objectives of the United Kingdom. Thus, it is appropriate to begin our tour with the portion of the ship where those duties were carried out.
The State Dining Room
One of the primary functions of Britannia was to provide a venue where the Queen could host heads of state and other dignitaries during her travels. This often involved banquets held in the State Dining Room.
The room is dominated by a 32 seat mahogany table. On the white-painted walls with displays of various items collected by the Royal Family on their journeys. |
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The Anteroom
Aft of the State Dining Room is a smaller room, resembling a living room (lounge), where the Royal Family could gather. Most of the furniture in this room was a gift from the Swedish Royal Family although the bookcase is from Britannia's predecessor.
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The State Drawing Room
Although this is the yacht's main reception room, it is not an elaborate grand room. Rather, it resembles a comfortable room in a between-the-wars English country house.
This room was used for official entertaining as well as for family gatherings. Its entertainment facilities include a baby grand piano, reportedly played by Noel Coward and by Princess Diana, as well as a television hidden in one of the cabinets. |
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Cruise article - Visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia - Edinburgh, Scotland - Rooms of State