An amazing week in England

Early on Thursday November 8th, 2017, Melissa and I landed at Heathrow for the launch of my book, The Flag. It was seven amazing days that we'll never forget. Here's a pictorial journey of the week...

Shortly after landing at Heathrow (complete with overnight stubble), my brother whisked us through rush hour traffic to Westminster Abbey for the Fields of Remembrance service. 

My regimental association accorded me the signal honor to represent them at the front of the regiment's plot, where Prince Harry and myself appeared to be having a staring contest.

It was wonderful to meet in the person, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall, who wrote the Foreword for The Flag.

After all the excitement of meeting Prince Harry and the Dean of Westminster, my brother drove us west to Swindon for some family time, an afternoon of shopping in Cirencester, and some English pub food. Then came the anticipation, waiting for the Daily Mail article to be published.

The article was posted on line at midnight - the next morning we went to the local newsagent to pick up half a dozen copies. The full article can be read here

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Later on Saturday we travelled up to London in preparation for Remembrance Sunday. Not only were U2 playing a free concert in Trafalgar Square, but we were also greeted by the news that The Flag had rocketed up the Amazon rankings on the back of the Daily Mail feature.

Being in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday was a first for me. It was such a moving and very personal experience. Despite it being a cold and blustery day, it was great to see family, friends, and old comrades marching past the Cenotaph.

Monday was quiet, apart from lunch at Borough Market, shopping on Regent's Street, and catching up with old friends. I also paid my respects to a very brave patriot of the First World War.

I was also able to find the exact spot Reverend David Railton, his wife, and mother, posed for a photograph on Armistice Day 1921 - Buckingham Palace.

Tuesday was the date of the official launch and release of the book. It started with a book signing at the Imperial War Museum. 

I was deeply moved by so many old friends, colleagues, and members of my family who took the time to come to the Imperial War Museum and lend their support.

That evening the official launch event took place at the Household Cavalry Museum. 

We were honored to have members of the Railton family in attendance - Mr. David Railton QC, and his son, Andrew.

With the launch over, there was just time catch a show and witness the look on my wife's face when she came across a copy of the book in Waterstones on Tottenham Court Road.

At Heathrow as we were about to board the flight home, we got word that the book was now an Amazon bestseller - just 48 hours after it's release. 

What an amazing experience. My thanks to everyone at Casemate UK for all their hard work, and to all my family and friends for their love and support.