Royal London

Royal LondonLondon is abuzz with preparations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next week. To celebrate I’ve updated my Royal London map to include some of the Queen’s personal favourite shops. With over 950 years of history across this map it covers everything from monarchs of old, to where Queen Elizabeth II buys her chocolates, perfume, and handbags. And a quick history lesson- Royal Warrants are granted to places that supply goods or servies to the Queen, Prince Consort, or Prince of Wales.Without further ado here are the the royal best London has to offer. The Tower of London Built 1066. Home to the Crown Jewels and the legendary Yeomen Warders. Nothing takes you back in time like a visit to the Tower.Westminster Abbey Built 1090. From coronations to royal weddings and funerals, this is the headquarters for the Church of England. Famous kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, and scientists now rest beneath its hallowed halls.Hampton Court Palace Built 1514. The main residence of King Henry VIII and his infamous wives. The gardens here are divine and home to beautiful woodland creatures like deer and maybe even some swans.Kensington Palace Built 1605. The childhood home of Queen Victoria, where her elegant statue now sits out front. It is also the current residence of Prince William and his family.St. Paul's Cathedral Built 1675. One of the most iconic landmarks in London and it is often featured in Hollywood films, like Mary Poppins. Royal weddings and state funerals are also held here. Climbing to the top of the central dome is one of my favorite things to do in London.Buckingham Palace Built 1703. Headquarters and an official royal residence of the monarch, it is one of the most iconic buildings in London. If you go to London in the summer then the State Rooms are a must-see.Floris LondonRoyal Warrant 1820. This perfumery and toiletries shop has been supplying the royal family since the reign of King George IV. The Royal Mews Built 1825. Home to royal carriages from monarchs past and present, plus one of the finest displays of horses. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach is a personal favourite.GarrardRoyal Warrant 1843. Creating beautiful jewels, crowns, and statement pieces to all the monarchs since Queen Victoria. Paxton and Whitfield Royal Warrant 1850. Britain’s leading cheesemonger, Queen Victoria became the first of many royals to name them as official royal cheesemonger. Obtaining a Royal Warrant means the King or Queen have first call on the best service in the land.Hatchards Booksellers Royal Warrant 1901. This is London’s oldest bookshops and Queen Charlotte was one of their first customers. The bookseller currently holds three Royal Warrants.Fortnum & Mason Royal Warrant 1955. They hold two royal warrants making them the official tea merchants and grocers to HRH Queen Elizabeth II.Lock & Co Hatters Royal Warrant 1956. The world’s oldest hat shop and the oldest family-owned business in existence. Sir Winston Churchill even donned one of these hats making it his signature look.Launer LondonRoyal Warrant 1968. A favourite supplier of handbags for the Queen. Barbour Royal Warrant 1974. Ready-to-wear clothing from this luxury and lifestyle brand is the proud recipient of three Royal Warrants and can often be seen being worn by the Queen herself.Prestat Chocolates Royal Warrant 1975. This is something we whole-heartedly agree with HRH Queen Elizabeth II on, her choice on Royal Purveyor of Chocolates. A box of Prestat is the best gift anyone can ask for.Hunter Royal Warrant 1977. Hunter is the holder of two Royal Warrants and is renowned worldwide for its iconic original boot. The brand has grown from Wellington boots to outerwear, bags and accessories.The GoringRoyal Warrant 2013. The Duchess of Cambridge famously stayed here with her family the night before her marriage to Prince William. It is a great place to take afternoon tea.