This blog post chronicles an unforgettable journey to Windsor Castle with Alex, the love of my life and partner of seven years. Alex, a talented fine arts painter, has always dreamed of presenting his artworks to the Royal Family. After months of meticulous planning and dealing with logistical challenges, I was able to secure an exhibition for him at the castle.
The months leading up to the event were a true journey. Alex’s artworks, originally stored in the United States, had to be safely transported to the United Kingdom. Every canvas, every frame, every single detail had to be perfect. The preparations were a logistical challenge: the artworks needed to be carefully packed, shipped across the ocean, and then reframed once they arrived.
Finally, the big day arrived. Walking into the castle, my heart racing, was an unforgettable moment. Every room in the castle was steeped in history and grandeur, an environment that seemed to breathe and pulse with the essence of the British monarchy. Alex’s artworks were impeccably arranged, and ready to be admired by illustrious visitors. Our 13-year-old daughter Anastacia was with us, and I was so happy to have her there to experience this great adventure. As an aspiring artist, this experience’s impact on her was profound.
But the challenges did not end there. The stringent security at Windsor Castle posed another obstacle: the company that was supposed to supply the exhibition panels was not allowed onto the castle grounds. Surprisingly, the solution came from the Royal Military, who offered to build the exhibition panels for us.
The highlight of the day was our meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Edward. Seated in a specially prepared room, we discussed art and culture over tea.
Edward was deeply curious, eager to know every detail about Alex’s works. “Where are you from?” the Prince asked, his genuine interest shining in his eyes. “Are you a resident of the United Kingdom?” “Tell me about these paintings.”
This cordial and respectful exchange was an honor, a moment we will remember forever.
The validation we received from the castle’s stringent security was immensely rewarding. Being trusted to sit amongst the royals and have access to so much history and success felt like a true acknowledgment of our efforts and achievements. For me, having been through so much inner work, it was a moment of triumph. My singing career had opened this door, reminding me that I am worthy. The love I have for myself had given me the desires of my heart and led us to this epic moment in time.
Later in the week, we went back to the castle, escorted by the governor. The governor, assigned by the late Queen to represent the King, was an incredible host. The King was home that evening, and we were the only guests to walk throughout the rooms. I even had the opportunity to sit in the living room of the King and I was asked not to post any photos of that sitting.
Over the centuries, Windsor Castle grew alongside the royal family. In the 12th century, King Henry II replaced its wooden walls with stone, creating a stronger fortress. By the reign of Edward III, born at Windsor, the castle had transformed into a Gothic masterpiece. Edward founded the Order of the Garter, England’s highest order of chivalry, which still gathers in the magnificent St. George’s Chapel, where we began our tour.
Guided by the governor of the castle and a representative of the king, we entered the chapel, its soaring Gothic arches and intricate stained glass casting colorful light over the carved choir stalls. The banners of the Garter Knights hung above, each representing centuries of royal tradition. We paused to pay our respects at the tombstones of monarchs like Henry VIII, Charles I, and Queen Elizabeth II, feeling the weight of history in this sacred space.
This was truly a life-changing moment for me, a kid from Brooklyn, to be sitting where the Queen had sat.
We attended a service called Evensong in St. George’s Chapel. I learned that the choir and the Bishops actually live full-time in the Castle. It is their job to perform a service six days a week in the chapel to pray for the King. As I sat there, I realized that just around the corner from where I was seated, the Queen had been laid to rest. The chapel was adorned with numerous symbols, including crowns, swords, and awards, particularly associated with the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. These items collectively highlighted the rich history and continuing tradition of chivalry and knighthood.
The intricately carved wooden choir stalls, the heraldic shields, and the Garter banners added to the profound sense of history. Swords of knighthood, helmets, and crests symbolizing knightly status were displayed with reverence. Garter stall plates engraved with the names and arms of the knights remained as permanent records, and military and royal regalia associated with significant historical events were also present.
During the service, I was deeply moved. As a preacher’s kid from Brooklyn, New York, understanding the true power of God, my life had changed in that very moment. I was reminded of my faith and how far God had brought me. Even in the face of adversity and trials, I could clearly see the hand of God on our lives. We had gone through such a rough time, losing hope and then having it restored. Being there inspired me to reach higher and strive for bigger goals, simply by being connected to the Royal Family and visiting the site of the late Queen.
This experience also taught me the importance of not giving up on dreams or being afraid to try a new career path, even after the age of 40. I never saw myself doing anything other than singing, but I found myself learning about the fine art world and helping deal art for Alex because of my love for him. This newfound career offered me the resurgence I needed as an artist. I realized that this is an ongoing journey, and one should never stop, especially as an artist. Life is full of unexpected opportunities, and it’s never too late to pursue a new passion or dream.
Having Anastacia with us on this journey was particularly meaningful. As an African American girl and a budding artist, experiencing such a historic and grand setting as Windsor Castle set the stage for her in a profound way. It is essential for her to see that the world of art and culture is accessible to her, that her dreams are valid and achievable. Witnessing Alex’s success and being part of this prestigious exhibition showed her that there are no limits to what she can achieve, regardless of her background. It reinforced the importance of exploring new avenues and creating opportunities for herself as an artist.
Through this entire experience, I learned the importance of creating great opportunities for yourself as an artist. Traditional paths can be limiting, and often, the most rewarding experiences come from taking risks and exploring new avenues. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I not only supported Alex’s dream but also discovered a new passion and career path for myself. It’s essential to remain open to new possibilities and to have the courage to pursue them, no matter where you are in life. This journey was a testament to Alex’s talent and perseverance, and a profound reminder of how dreams can come true with dedication, love, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Though we faced numerous challenges, including the temporary loss of two paintings, which we didn’t recover until two weeks after the exhibition, the experience was worth every moment of stress. It was a testament to Alex’s talent and perseverance, and a profound reminder of how dreams can come true with dedication and love.
Moreover, the importance of learning about history cannot be overstated. Being at Windsor Castle, surrounded by centuries of tradition and historical artifacts, reminded me of the significance of preserving and understanding our past. There is a growing trend to erase or overlook history, but doing so robs future generations of the lessons and heritage that shape our present and future. History teaches us resilience, the evolution of cultures, and the importance of progress. By embracing and learning from our history, we can build a more informed and empathetic society.
This journey underscored the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams and the incredible power of innovative thinking. Our presence at Windsor Castle was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal victory, affirming that with faith, hard work, and love, anything is possible.
A Message of Hope
To anyone who feels like giving up, who believes it’s too late in life for good things to happen, I want you to know that there is always hope. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, the most extraordinary moments come when we least expect them. It’s never too late to dream, to aspire, and to achieve. The journey you are on is uniquely yours, and every twist and turn has the potential to lead to something beautiful.
Living in the present is vital. The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence. It’s easy to get caught up in what could have been or what went wrong, but your power lies in the now. Focus on today, on what you can do in this moment to move forward. Every small step you take today is a step closer to your dreams.
Manifestation is a powerful tool. When you believe in yourself and your abilities, you set the stage for incredible things to happen. Visualize your goals, speak them into existence, and take actionable steps towards them. The universe has a way of aligning with your intentions when you are clear about what you want and are willing to work for it.
My journey to Windsor Castle with Alex was a testament to this truth. There were times when it seemed impossible, when the challenges felt insurmountable, but we persevered. Alex’s dream of presenting his art to the Royal Family became a reality because we believed it could happen, and we took the steps to make it so. It wasn’t just a professional achievement; it was a deeply personal victory, reminding us of the power of faith, hard work, and love.
I had made really bad mistakes. I was angry and I had set a bad example for myself. I had someone tell me to stop being a victim. Well, that is hard when you really feel like one. It’s hard when you feel misunderstood. Pain can sometimes come out as anger—anger for things constantly going wrong and built-up resentment. I had to learn to communicate better. I needed someone next to me to direct me toward hope and love gently, which is what Alex could see in me. He could see me for who I am. Even when others said, “warn Alex against Stacy, tell him to be careful,” he took the time to look for himself.
Do not allow anyone to define you. If you have moments of weakness, choose the wrong men, or find yourself in situations that can lead to your own demise, it can take a long time to recover from these hits. But you can. The moment that changed my life was when I started to look at my own responsibility in the life I was living and disconnected from anyone that meant me harm.
If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, remember that your story isn’t over. Each day is a new opportunity to write a new chapter. Believe in your worth, embrace the present, and trust in the process. The road may be difficult, but the journey is worth it. Keep going, keep dreaming, and never underestimate the power of believing in yourself. Good things are waiting for you, and with hope and determination, you can manifest the life you desire.