Outfits once worn by Beyonce, Blake Lively, Billy Porter, Nicola Coughlan and Katy Perry populate the rooms of Kensington Palace, as part of a blockbuster new fashion exhibition. Crown To Couture explores the similarities between fashion and celebrity in the 18th-century court and the red carpet today. Nearly four years in the making, it is the biggest exhibition ever … [Read more...] about New fashion exhibition brings the Met Gala to Kensington Palace
Royal London
Details on the full procession route for the Queen’s funeral
The Queen’s coffin will travel by ceremonial procession along a detailed route through London and then Windsor before she is laid to rest. The late monarch’s lying in state will come to an end on Monday morning before her coffin is transported to Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral Service. It will then travel to Windsor for a Committal Service and private burial in … [Read more...] about Details on the full procession route for the Queen’s funeral
Mourners in London who queued overnight describe ‘serenity’ in Westminster Hall
Mourners who queued for eight hours overnight to pay their respects to the Queen have described the “breath-taking” serenity in Westminster Hall where “you could hear a pin drop” in the silence. People have traveled from all over the country and waited since 1 is for the chance to visit the Queen lying in state. Three well-wishers who befriended each other in the queue … [Read more...] about Mourners in London who queued overnight describe ‘serenity’ in Westminster Hall
The Queen’s lying in state: What you need to know if you’re in London
The Queen will lie in state in London ahead of her funeral. Here is some of the information mourners need to know if you're in London. – What exactly is meant by the term “lying in state”? Lying in state is usually reserved for sovereigns, current or past queen consorts, and sometimes former prime ministers. During the formal occasion, the closed coffin is placed on … [Read more...] about The Queen’s lying in state: What you need to know if you’re in London
First Changing of the Guard in reign of King Charles III takes place
The first Changing of the Guard has taken place since King Charles III was named as Britain’s new monarch on Saturday. Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards formally handed over duties to Number 12 Company Irish Guards in simultaneous ceremonies that were held on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace in central London on Monday. It is also the first … [Read more...] about First Changing of the Guard in reign of King Charles III takes place
Westminster Hall: The colorful history of the 900-year-old building
The King described Westminster Hall as a “great hall” which holds “reminders of medieval predecessors of the office to which I have been called” during a speech given to MPs and peers in Parliament. Charles’s address is the latest speech to take place in the hall, a location which has been used to mark momentous moments in British history. It dates back more than 900 … [Read more...] about Westminster Hall: The colorful history of the 900-year-old building
London to face ‘unprecedented travel demand’ as people pay respects to the Queen
London will experience “unprecedented travel demand” in the coming days as people visit the capital to pay their respects to the Queen, transport bosses warned. Public transport users are being advised that the city will be “exceptionally busy” and they should expect Tube stations to temporarily close to avoid overcrowding. Planning journeys in advance using the latest … [Read more...] about London to face ‘unprecedented travel demand’ as people pay respects to the Queen
London’s Guildhall art gallery to host book of condolence in tribute to the Queen
The Guildhall art gallery is set to open a book of condolence to allow the public to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. The London venue will house the book in honor of the long-reigning monarch, who died at Balmoral castle on Thursday. It comes after King Charles III was formally declared the nation’s new monarch on Saturday morning during a meeting of the … [Read more...] about London’s Guildhall art gallery to host book of condolence in tribute to the Queen
Crowds enjoy ‘momentous’ scene as Charles proclaimed King outside London’s Royal Exchange
Onlookers have described the “amazing” and “momentous” scene as Charles was proclaimed King outside the Royal Exchange in London on Saturday. The second reading of the Accession Proclamation was met with applause and cheers of “God save the King”. Thousands of onlookers had gathered at noon on Saturday in the City of London to witness the proclamation. The crowd then … [Read more...] about Crowds enjoy ‘momentous’ scene as Charles proclaimed King outside London’s Royal Exchange
Ten Interesting Facts about Kensington Gardens
While Kensington Gardens are open to the public, there was a time when this wasn’t so. The gardens were originally part of Kensington Palace, a royal residence that was once home to King William III and Queen Mary II (now home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). Today, Kensington Gardens are one of four Royal Parks in London along with Regent’s Park, St. James’s Park, Hyde … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Kensington Gardens
On Her Majesty’s Appointment – Shops in London that Serve the Royal Family
A Royal Warrant of Appointment is a special designation to merchants granting them the ability to announce to the world that they sell goods or services to the Royal Family. These warrants may be given out by the Royal Family as a whole or by individual members, specifically the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales. Unsurprisingly as London is the central … [Read more...] about On Her Majesty’s Appointment – Shops in London that Serve the Royal Family
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening Report: Queen Victoria’s Palace at the annual opening of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
While the Queen takes a summer break in Scotland, we can tour the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace for the annual ten-week summer opening. This year the rooms are available to us from 20 July to 29 September 2019, and the special exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. 'Queen Victoria's Palace' tells the story of how the young monarch turned an … [Read more...] about Buckingham Palace Summer Opening Report: Queen Victoria’s Palace at the annual opening of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Exhibition Alert: Laura Visits the 2018 Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace – Prince Charles’s Favorites in the Royal Collection
For ten weeks each summer we get to go inside Buckingham Palace and see the State Rooms while the Queen is away at Balmoral (Scotland). There's also a special exhibition included and this year, to mark the 70th birthday of The Prince of Wales, the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace includes a special display of over 100 works of art personally selected by His Royal … [Read more...] about Exhibition Alert: Laura Visits the 2018 Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace – Prince Charles’s Favorites in the Royal Collection
Royal London: A Look at Five Royal Residences in London
For centuries, London has been the home of ruling powers. From the native chiefs to the Romans and finally the long list of Britain’s monarchs, the city has not only been a seat of power, but it has been a home as well. Many palaces and former Royal residences can be found in London, though many of them currently remain unused except as museums to their former owners. … [Read more...] about Royal London: A Look at Five Royal Residences in London
Great London Buildings – A Brief History of Buckingham Palace – The Queen’s Official London Home
Perhaps the greatest residence in the city, Buckingham Palace has been the home of royalty for centuries and has been the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II since she ascended the throne in 1952, though she had lived there since her father, King George VI, became monarch in 1936. The site where Buckingham House is located was once in the possession of William the … [Read more...] about Great London Buildings – A Brief History of Buckingham Palace – The Queen’s Official London Home
A Royal City – A Brief History of the Monarchy in London
Formed in part by the Romans when they invaded Britain in 43 A.D., London has always been a city that represented power and authority. It ceased being the capital when the Romans abandoned the city in 425 and remained that way until the Anglo-Saxon chronicle states that it was “refounded” by Alfred the Great in 886. Alfred was the first person to assume the title of “King of … [Read more...] about A Royal City – A Brief History of the Monarchy in London
The Family Jewels: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about the British Crown Jewels You May Not Already Know
The Crown Jewels. For centuries they have taken on a meaning of immeasurable wealth and high importance. We liken the things that matter most in our lives to these symbols of British royal power (including, for us blokes, a very special area indeed). If you have a chance, you can go have a look at them at the Tower of London, where they’ve been on display to the public since … [Read more...] about The Family Jewels: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about the British Crown Jewels You May Not Already Know
Buck House: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Buckingham Palace You May Not Already Know
Since the days of Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace has been a Royal residence, even though it dates back to George III, who purchased it from the family of Tory politician and poet John Sheffield, styled the Duke of Buckingham, for Queen Charlotte. Now it is synonymous with Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family, with tourists lining up outside the walls, hoping for a glimpse … [Read more...] about Buck House: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Buckingham Palace You May Not Already Know
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!