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
Royal London
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!