The Royal Palace

The work begins at the Royal Palace, also known as Washington Palace which is set at the original site of Mount Vernon, overlooking the Potomac River. A glorious edifice, it houses all of the Royal events, such as the Queen's Ball where Beatrice must select a suitor, and the regal Engagement Party, once Teddy and Beatrice are betrothed. Each of the monarchs who ruled has added personal touches and/or additions making it a "confusing nest of galleries and stairways and hallways, constantly thronged by people" (25). Washington Palace symbolizes many different things for each of the characters. For Beatrice, it is a bit of a prison as she is trapped within the monarchy and longs for some normalcy in her life. To that end she can be found looking out of the high arched windows to a life beyond her royal duties.

For Samantha, the Palace...