From the Royal Court compound. We were taken to the Royal Court by military escort as VIP visitors! Once we arrived at the complex we had to go through a detailed screening process which included our passports being checked and a close inspection of our film equipment - all standard protocol for palace visitors. This was my first time visiting a royal palace, so I found the entire process very exciting!

The first stop on our private tour was Raghadan Palace, the first of the palaces built for the Royal family. Built in 1926, it was originally a home for His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein, the founder of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Today, Raghadan Palace contains one of the most important rooms in the complex, the Throne Hall. Used for State occasions and visits by foreign dignitaries, it’s impressive, even when empty! Walking into the Throne Hall and standing there, alone, was a special experience for me. I imagined what it must be like to have a private audience with His Majesty King Abdullah II or Her Majesty Queen Rania. I secretly wanted to sit in the empty throne even if just for a second, but that is strictly forbidden. I did, however, get to sit at the king’s desk.

From Raghadan, we headed to Basman Palace, which is larger and much more ornate than Raghadan. Its name is derived from the Arabic word for ‘joyful.’ Built in 1950, Basman Palace was the private living quarters of His Majesty King Hussein in the early 1950s. Now, it functions solely as the working offices of the Royal Court and houses the private office of King Abdullah II.

Acquainted with city-life? Head to the desert and learn about bedouin life .

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