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Tiaras, wedding gowns, palaces. This isn't a page from Cinderella, but just a hint of the magic that will encompass London during 2002. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, London is throwing a year-long celebration, the Golden Jubilee. The London Tourist Board notes 50 Royal Reasons why 2002 is the year to explore London's royal connections, rich history, and pageantry.

Here are just a few of the 50 reasons to visit during this memorable anniversary:

• The London String of Pearls Golden Jubilee Festival will bring together over 70 of the nation's greatest institutions in celebration of their royal associations and heritage. Some of London's most famous landmarks will open their doors to the public - many for the first time ever - and offer special tours, exhibits, and performances. Attractions include Buckingham Palace, the City of Westminster, Horse Guards, the Houses of Parliament, Lambeth Palace, three Inns of Court, five city livery companies, the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Commonwealth Institute, the Royal Military School of Music, the Royal and Trinity Colleges of Music, the Royal College of Surgeons, the College of Arms, and the Transport Museum.
• The Jubilee Walkway is a self-guided walk originally inaugurated in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee. It will be expanded for 2002 to include a number of new buildings as well as London's historic properties, making it an ideal way to explore the Thames and historic, royal London. A new map and website will be available to help guide pedestrians from site to site.
• Kensington Palace will showcase "A Century of Royal Wedding Dresses," exhibiting the wedding dresses worn by Princess Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, Queen Alexandra, and Queen Victoria.
• The Queen's Gallery will re-open, allowing a glimpse of rarely seen works from the Royal Collection, one of the world's great art collections.
• The Victoria and Albert Museum will house "The Tiara Today." This exhibit will trace the evolution of this classic piece of headgear from the mid-10th century to the present. Over 200 spectacular tiaras worn by royalty, historical figures, and modern celebrities will be on display.

For further information about these and the 45 additional Royal Reasons to celebrate with London in 2002, visit www.londontouristboard.com

Edited by Jennifer Hutchinson

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