Guidebook for London

Helena
Guidebook for London

Sightseeing

A visit to London’s most famous address is a must for any royals fan. You’ll visit the ballroom where state banquets are held and walk in the footsteps of HMQ leading 007 through the palace in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony film. Picture yourself as a guest at William and Kate’s wedding, when Prince Harry turned the throne room into a disco. Buy a ticket for a curated garden tour. It’s the biggest private garden in London and very beautiful, with a 400-year-old tree and 30 bird species. The Queen keeps queen bees and makes her own honey. Get your ticket stamped by palace staff to go back for free for a year.
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Buckingham Palace
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A visit to London’s most famous address is a must for any royals fan. You’ll visit the ballroom where state banquets are held and walk in the footsteps of HMQ leading 007 through the palace in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony film. Picture yourself as a guest at William and Kate’s wedding, when Prince Harry turned the throne room into a disco. Buy a ticket for a curated garden tour. It’s the biggest private garden in London and very beautiful, with a 400-year-old tree and 30 bird species. The Queen keeps queen bees and makes her own honey. Get your ticket stamped by palace staff to go back for free for a year.
The only hotel in London with a royal warrant from the Queen, it’s long been a Windsor family favourite. This is where Catherine Middleton spent her last night before the wedding and designer Sarah Burton snuck in the dress past the paparazzi. It’s perfect for a drink at any time of day. You never know who you might bump into. Try the queen’s tipple: one part gin to two parts Dubonnet, ice, and a slice of lemon. The Queen Mother started the trend.
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The Goring Hotel
15 Beeston Pl
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The only hotel in London with a royal warrant from the Queen, it’s long been a Windsor family favourite. This is where Catherine Middleton spent her last night before the wedding and designer Sarah Burton snuck in the dress past the paparazzi. It’s perfect for a drink at any time of day. You never know who you might bump into. Try the queen’s tipple: one part gin to two parts Dubonnet, ice, and a slice of lemon. The Queen Mother started the trend.
Take a trip on the Thames for a slice of royal history. Boats sail regularly from many piers including Westminster. You’ll see how London grew and pass landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, and the Tower of London—Henry VIII’s unfortunate wives approached the Tower this way to be beheaded. Or head the other way to Hampton Court. There are regular boats at several piers where you can pay with oyster and travel cards. So sit back sipping cocktails or lattes watching London go by. Special cruises offer luxurious settings with 5 star meals that will make you feel like a queen!
Westminster Millennium Pier
Victoria Embankment
Take a trip on the Thames for a slice of royal history. Boats sail regularly from many piers including Westminster. You’ll see how London grew and pass landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, and the Tower of London—Henry VIII’s unfortunate wives approached the Tower this way to be beheaded. Or head the other way to Hampton Court. There are regular boats at several piers where you can pay with oyster and travel cards. So sit back sipping cocktails or lattes watching London go by. Special cruises offer luxurious settings with 5 star meals that will make you feel like a queen!
Often neglected by tourists in favour of Buckingham Palace, it was home to four women who transformed the monarchy: George IV’s wife Caroline, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, and Diana Princess of Wales. A sea of flowers were left here after her death. Princess Margaret, the Queen’s late sister, threw her famously wild parties here. Beyond the standard tour, tea at the Orangery, built by Queen Anne, is a classic. Prince William and Kate live in Kensington Palace with their children, George and Charlotte, when in London. So do Prince Harry and Beatrice. But don’t expect to bump into them—their apartments are well shielded from the public.
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Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens
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Often neglected by tourists in favour of Buckingham Palace, it was home to four women who transformed the monarchy: George IV’s wife Caroline, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, and Diana Princess of Wales. A sea of flowers were left here after her death. Princess Margaret, the Queen’s late sister, threw her famously wild parties here. Beyond the standard tour, tea at the Orangery, built by Queen Anne, is a classic. Prince William and Kate live in Kensington Palace with their children, George and Charlotte, when in London. So do Prince Harry and Beatrice. But don’t expect to bump into them—their apartments are well shielded from the public.
All British monarchs since William the Conqueror have been crowned in the abbey, which dates back to 1065. Her Majesty and Prince William’s weddings were also held here. Besides kings and queens, great artists and scientists are buried on the grounds. It’s a place of beauty and pathos with gothic towers and vaulted ceilings. Buy tickets online to avoid the queues, and try to visit early morning. Tickets include an audio guide narrated by Jeremy Irons. Plan to be here at 5 pm weekdays, 3 pm weekends, and you can watch the choir practice for free. In summer, check for free lunchtime concerts in the garden.
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Westminster Abbey
20 Deans Yd
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All British monarchs since William the Conqueror have been crowned in the abbey, which dates back to 1065. Her Majesty and Prince William’s weddings were also held here. Besides kings and queens, great artists and scientists are buried on the grounds. It’s a place of beauty and pathos with gothic towers and vaulted ceilings. Buy tickets online to avoid the queues, and try to visit early morning. Tickets include an audio guide narrated by Jeremy Irons. Plan to be here at 5 pm weekdays, 3 pm weekends, and you can watch the choir practice for free. In summer, check for free lunchtime concerts in the garden.

Shopping

Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry are regular clients of the shops along the most famous street in the world for bespoke tailoring, with suits made exclusively for your fit. Once the exclusive domain of men, it now caters to women as well. You cannot discuss British fashion without mentioning Savile Row. Prince Charles, considered one of the best dressed men in the world, gets his suits from Savile Row’s Gieves & Hawkes and Anderson & Sheppard. His shirts come from Turnbull & Asser on nearby Jermyn Street.
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Savile Row
Savile Row
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Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry are regular clients of the shops along the most famous street in the world for bespoke tailoring, with suits made exclusively for your fit. Once the exclusive domain of men, it now caters to women as well. You cannot discuss British fashion without mentioning Savile Row. Prince Charles, considered one of the best dressed men in the world, gets his suits from Savile Row’s Gieves & Hawkes and Anderson & Sheppard. His shirts come from Turnbull & Asser on nearby Jermyn Street.
This is the oldest hat shop in the world, dating back to 1765, and it’s still run by the Lock family, who offer superb craftsmanship at affordable prices. Catherine Middleton, Princess Diana, Churchill, and the Beatles have all worn their creations. Lewis Carroll based his Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland on Lock’s manager James Benning. Ask to see the hat that Lord Nelson wore at the Battle of Trafalgar, where he died. They made it for him and have the ledgers. You can also see the head measurements of their distinguished clientele, including HMQ. In fact, they resized the crown for her coronation.
Lock & Co. Hatters
6 St James's St
This is the oldest hat shop in the world, dating back to 1765, and it’s still run by the Lock family, who offer superb craftsmanship at affordable prices. Catherine Middleton, Princess Diana, Churchill, and the Beatles have all worn their creations. Lewis Carroll based his Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland on Lock’s manager James Benning. Ask to see the hat that Lord Nelson wore at the Battle of Trafalgar, where he died. They made it for him and have the ledgers. You can also see the head measurements of their distinguished clientele, including HMQ. In fact, they resized the crown for her coronation.
The oldest shop on Bond St., this chocolatier is one of the Queen’s guilty pleasures. The man who started it was actually HMQ’s great-grandfather, the bon vivant King Edward VII. He charmed Mme Charbonnel into leaving famed Maison Boissier in Paris for London and introduced her to Mrs. Walker. Ask for the crowns with hazelnuts, made from Mme Charbonnel’s original recipe. Sample chocolates as they were produced through the ages to see how tastes have changed. The Queen is said to like the strawberry truffles, but the champagne truffles are melt-in-your-mouth delectable. Irresistible!
28 Old Bond St
28 Old Bond Street
The oldest shop on Bond St., this chocolatier is one of the Queen’s guilty pleasures. The man who started it was actually HMQ’s great-grandfather, the bon vivant King Edward VII. He charmed Mme Charbonnel into leaving famed Maison Boissier in Paris for London and introduced her to Mrs. Walker. Ask for the crowns with hazelnuts, made from Mme Charbonnel’s original recipe. Sample chocolates as they were produced through the ages to see how tastes have changed. The Queen is said to like the strawberry truffles, but the champagne truffles are melt-in-your-mouth delectable. Irresistible!
Her Majesty’s “little corner shop.” All three floors brim with the finest food and wines. Prince Charles’s organic products are for sale here, and Fortnum’s The Cook Book is edited by the son of HRH Camilla, Charles’s wife. F&M is famous for its tearooms. A footman will usher you in and offer you a choice of 60. Mr. Fortnum was a footman in Queen Anne’s household. His job was to replace half burnt candles with new ones. Rather than wasting them, he sold the wax and made a fortune. His lodger Mr. Mason, a busy builder in Mayfair, suggested a partnership, and the rest, as they say, is grocery.
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Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
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Her Majesty’s “little corner shop.” All three floors brim with the finest food and wines. Prince Charles’s organic products are for sale here, and Fortnum’s The Cook Book is edited by the son of HRH Camilla, Charles’s wife. F&M is famous for its tearooms. A footman will usher you in and offer you a choice of 60. Mr. Fortnum was a footman in Queen Anne’s household. His job was to replace half burnt candles with new ones. Rather than wasting them, he sold the wax and made a fortune. His lodger Mr. Mason, a busy builder in Mayfair, suggested a partnership, and the rest, as they say, is grocery.
Floris is a sensual delight. Perfumers since 1730, it’s the oldest English retailer of fragrances and toiletries. It’s like stepping back in time, and the polished mahogany and brass furnishings and royal warrant that dates to Regency London add to the regal feel. The Queen buys her toiletries here. See the little museum at the back. The Queen is said to favour White Rose, a floral fragrance with spicy notes of carnation, reportedly her favourite flower. Marilyn Monroe preferred their Rose Geranium and we know that 007 uses Floris No.89.
Floris
89 Jermyn St
Floris is a sensual delight. Perfumers since 1730, it’s the oldest English retailer of fragrances and toiletries. It’s like stepping back in time, and the polished mahogany and brass furnishings and royal warrant that dates to Regency London add to the regal feel. The Queen buys her toiletries here. See the little museum at the back. The Queen is said to favour White Rose, a floral fragrance with spicy notes of carnation, reportedly her favourite flower. Marilyn Monroe preferred their Rose Geranium and we know that 007 uses Floris No.89.

Food Scene

The only coffee merchant with a royal warrant from the Queen. David Higgins is royalty among coffee aficionados, and his love of coffee is contagious. His grandfather, Harold, the H in HR Higgins, was one of the first coffee men in WWII London. Churchill was a client, and his father created a special blend for HMQ. Try the pour-over coffee in the downstairs cafe. There are three bean choices, and the knowledgeable staff will help you if your nose fails. They grind the beans in front of you and pour the water slowly to let more air in. It brings out more nuanced flavours.
H R Higgins
79 Duke St
The only coffee merchant with a royal warrant from the Queen. David Higgins is royalty among coffee aficionados, and his love of coffee is contagious. His grandfather, Harold, the H in HR Higgins, was one of the first coffee men in WWII London. Churchill was a client, and his father created a special blend for HMQ. Try the pour-over coffee in the downstairs cafe. There are three bean choices, and the knowledgeable staff will help you if your nose fails. They grind the beans in front of you and pour the water slowly to let more air in. It brings out more nuanced flavours.
The nightclubs Boujis and Mahiki are among the young royals’ favourite spots. But it was this exotic restaurant that William took Catherine to around the time they announced their engagement. I was told it was Prince Harry’s suggestion, but William and Catherine have been back so they must enjoy it. Expect an exciting, exotic food experience. The grilled scorpions taste like crunchy chocolate, and the marinated crocodile, python, zebra, and ostrich are delicious.
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Archipelago
53 Cleveland St
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The nightclubs Boujis and Mahiki are among the young royals’ favourite spots. But it was this exotic restaurant that William took Catherine to around the time they announced their engagement. I was told it was Prince Harry’s suggestion, but William and Catherine have been back so they must enjoy it. Expect an exciting, exotic food experience. The grilled scorpions taste like crunchy chocolate, and the marinated crocodile, python, zebra, and ostrich are delicious.