Government House always looks pretty swell, but the official residence of B.C.’s lieutenant-governor is getting a good cleaning in preparation for special guests — the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children.
The royal visitors will use Government House as a home base during their B.C. stay — items like an antique tea service are being polished, just in case.
“It is from the 1700s. There is a beautiful silver tea pot, coffee pot, cream and sugar tray that we have all ready to go for their teas which they might have in that in the afternoon, I can’t tell you that,” Government House service manager Gwendoline Gold said.
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Now, we do get to see the main floor and public areas, but preparations on the second floor, where the royals will sleep, that’s top secret.
When Gold was asked if she could share any information about the nursery or where they will be staying, she said “no” and laughed.
The cloak of secrecy also covers the kitchen where executive chef Aleks Kornat is collecting local produce, but he is not going to say what young Prince George might be eating.
“I heard rumours from family members saying that Prince George loves his bolognese but we will have to see. It is something that may or may not be on the menu. I can’t really disclose that at this point,” Kornat said.
He says the visit is a great opportunity to show off B.C. products, but is it security that keeps his lips tight?
“I think mostly for a surprise factor we want to keep it to ourselves and then that way we can surprise our guests,” Kornat said.
Staff say over the years Government House has become less museum-like and more livable for guests, but there are a few mementos of past visits and there is always room for a few more royal autographs.