London is ready to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Bunting has gone up all over Central London, across shop fronts and even down side streets.
Two fantastic royal exhibitions are opening this month and you will find Royal memorabilia all along Savile Row and Burlington Arcade. London wouldn’t be London without celebrating with food and a glass of champagne, so find some of my top picks below.
London is in the mood for this once in lifetime moment.
Celebrate the King at a Royal Exhibition
- Crown to Couture | Kensington Palace. One of the most beautiful exhibitions I have seen. It is a couture takeover of the Royal Palace. You will be stunned by how beautifully the Georgians used to dress.
- Dressing The Georgians | Queens Gallery at Buckingham Palace. The Royal Collection always puts on something special. The oldest royal wedding dress that belonged to Princess Charlotte in 1816 is a highlight. The British Court dress made from silk and metal thread is also a showstopper. You will be amazed at the minute details of ruffles, lace, fans, wigs and even teeth! And then there are the paintings; the full length portrait of Queen Charlotte is breathtaking and there are wonderful portraits of Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI and a very grumpy Napoleon. King George II and Queen Charlotte look magnificent. Check out her stomacher, reportedly worth £10m in today’s money!
- Royal Mews | The perfect year to visit the mews and see up close the carriages used for the coronation. If you are lucky you will also see the horses being groomed – it is the largest working stable in London.
- Immerse yourself in Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation. Frameless | I am a HUGE fan of this art space in Marble Arch. Between 29 April – 8 May they are showing Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in their 5th Room. Just imagine sitting in the middle of the first televised coronation that made history with millions of people watching. Entry is included with your general ticket.
A Royal Extra
The Lanesborough has a pop-up exhibition for Royal Photographer Chris Jackson. Iconic images of the Royal Family you will know and love, including the official Coronation image. Exhibition is free.
Claridge’s Hotel has updated their archive window for the coronation, including unseen images of Prince Charles and authentic pieces from the last two coronations.
Royal Opera House | A Coronation Tour 4-6 May. A limited edition coronation themed tour of the Royal Opera House to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III. £65.00.
Westminster Abbey Tours | 8 May onwards. When the Abbey re-opens there will be a limited time to visit when you can still see it set up for Their Majesties’ Coronation. Book here.
Savile Row | Tailors to the King. Savile Row and the adjacent streets have a special kind of bunting, created by 17 apprentices as part of the King’s campaign.
Shop at Fortnum & Mason for a Royal Commonwealth selection of memorabilia, or head to the Buckingham Palace shop for the official mug and tea towel. They are beautiful. I love mine.
Find this and more on the Little London Whispers Super Seven