Finding love in London

While the world waits with bated breath for the royal wedding of Britain’s second in line to the throne, Prince William, to Catherine Middleton, on April 29, it is without doubt London that is bathing in the romantic glory of this historic occasion. The ceremony will be held in the 10th-century Westminster Abbey which has seen the royal weddings of the present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Mother, besides the coronations of more than 38 British sovereigns over the centuries.

Visitors will want to indulge in a royal tour of their own to discover some of the many places that have played an important part in the lives of British blue bloods. The generation gap between Queen Elizabeth II and the young Prince William and Middleton means what appealed to the now 85-year-old monarch when she was courting is decidedly different from what the young 21st-century royals do for kicks.

In the 1950s, landmark hotels such as The Dorchester and the Mandarin Oriental on Hyde Park were the favoured royal venues for afternoon tea parties and balls where gents would wear formal suits and the ladies elegant designer gowns. Today Prince William, his younger brother Harry, Middleton and their friends enjoy going to flashy nightclubs and discos such as Boujis, Public or the newcomer in London, The Box, much as other twentysomething trendsetters do.

While there will still be plenty of pomp and ceremony for all to enjoy in London, the wedding of these two young people heralds a new age for the British royal family as the unpretentious couple make their own mark on what is known as The Firm.

For those who want to get an overview of 1,000 years of royal history, there are plenty of places to visit. Start off at Buckingham Palace which will one day be the newlyweds’ home. At 11am most days you can enjoy the colour, music, pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard.

Regal transport

Just around the corner from the main entrance of the palace is the Royal Mews. This is the finest example of working stables and coach houses in the world. It offers a unique opportunity to see the working of the royal department, which provides road transport to the Queen and her family by horse-drawn and motorised vehicles. There is a permanent display of state vehicles, including the Gold State Coach, used for coronations, and more than 30 ceremonial horse-drawn carriages, many of which will be used for the royal wedding.

But London is full of smaller and lesser-known places which have fascinating royal connections. Take a stroll through Hyde Park and gaze in awe at the towering monument to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s royal consort, which stands opposite the Royal Albert Hall. The marble-and-gold Neo-Gothic structure is one of the most impressive in London. From there, continue walking through the park, pausing to enjoy the gurgling water that flows through the Princess Diana Memorial before arriving at Kensington Palace.

The feminine touch

The influence of generations of royal women has shaped this stylish red-brick palace and its perfectly tended gardens. Kensington first became a royal residence for King William III in 1689 and it was later the home of Princess Diana. The magnificent State Apartments showcase breathtaking examples of the architect and painter William Kent’s work. This sumptuous series of rooms includes the Cupola Room where Princess Victoria was christened. Kensington Palace is also home to an exquisite collection of historic English court dress; an archive of royal fashion from the 18th century to the present day and includes the exhibition Diana, Fashion and Style, which explores her impact on how generations of women have dressed.

Just outside London are two of Britain’s most famed historical residences. Windsor Castle is still the preferred home of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and the monarch and her husband spend most weekends there enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Tourists can visit most of what is the largest and continually inhabited royal residence in the world.

The Royal Apartments house priceless treasures dating back almost 1,000 years. It was here in the town of Windsor that Prince Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles in 2005 and their vows were later celebrated in St George’s Chapel within the castle.

The other must-visit royal palace, situated not far from London, is Hampton Court, the famed home of King Henry VIII.

One of the biggest reasons to visit the place is to see the historical Tudor kitchens in operation. These huge spaces were designed to feed more than 600 people twice a day during the 16th century.

Throughout the year, on certain dates each month, the kitchens come to life again as food historians dressed in Tudor garb recreate the historic recipes cooking over open fires in huge copper pots before the crowds.

After you have seen how the dishes are prepared, it’s time to sit at the long wooden tables and indulge in an authentic Tudor Feast.

The royal wedding

Westminster Abbey in central London will host the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton on April 29 before 2,200 privileged guests. Middleton will travel to Westminster Abbey by Rolls-Royce through some of London’s most historic streets, including The Mall, Horse Guards’ Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square, before the service starts at 11am.

After the wedding service the bride and groom will return to Buckingham Palace in a classic horse-drawn carriage procession where the Queen will hold a dazzling luncheon reception in honour of the newlyweds. But the celebrations will continue later in the evening with an intimate party for close friends and family members, hosted by Prince Charles.

Romantic stays

Four Seasons: Just re-opened after a multimillion pound, two-year refurbishment, the überelegant hotel boasts some of the most eye-catching decor by famed French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The use of rich reds, glossy black and warm desert hues make it a visual delight and highly romantic. The new dining concept, Amaranto, is a series of three flow-through spaces united by the simple idea that guests can choose when and where they want to dine. The flexible menu features contemporary takes on Italian dishes. Upstairs in the rooms and suites you’ll be pampered with pale sycamore or walnut wall cladding, doors and cabinetry which replicates traditional Jaguar car dashboards with their intense shine. The rooftop Spa is a modern space with spectacular views across London. 

• www.fourseasons.com/london

W London: This dazzling hotel, in Leicester Square, the entertainment epicentre of London, is already a trendsetters’ playground. The edgy design of the 192 rooms and suites uses brilliant primary tones and glossy chrome. For those wanting a lively evening, move into the Wyld Lounge where music, particularly rock ’n’ roll, features. A mirror ball sends swirling points of light around the lounge, creating an atmosphere of excitement and romance. Choose from three categories of rooms which are all fun, extremely comfortable and sport appropriate names such as, Fantastic, Spectacular and Fabulous — unless you opt for the suites, which are called either Wow or Extreme Wow.

• www.wlondon.co.uk

The Fabulous Five

Looking for special places to propose in London? The capital is crammed with romantic spots to get down on bended knee, pop the little box open and ask your loved one for her hand in marriage. Here are the “fabulous five” which have a modern feel and are in keeping with the younger generation.

The London Eye: Get aboard the glass bubble cabins and glide up over 135 metres for breathtaking views of up to 40 kilometres across London. While any time of day is fabulous, sunset is perhaps the favourite for romantics.
www.londoneye.com

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester: Inside the famed hotel, The Dorchester, is one of London’s most romantic restaurants where the glorious surroundings in tones of white and silver are the setting for the three-Michelin-starred cuisine of French chef Alain Ducasse.
www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

Primrose Hill: Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to take a stroll or enjoy a picnic in this leafy section of Regents Park, which has become increasingly popular with the young, trendy set. From the top of the hill there are splendid views over central London.

Vertigo 42: Set on the 42nd floor of London’s highest building, the lounge of Vertigo 42 brings a whole new meaning to “getting a high”. The panoramic windows and extensive wall mirrors mean wherever you look, you will be thrilled. Booking essential.
www.vertigo42.co.uk

A Thames cruise: Join a river cruise past the many London attractions including The Tower of London, The Tate Modern and Big Ben. There is always a sense of romance once you are on the water, but particularly at night, with the colourful shimmering lights reflected on the water.
www.citycruises.com

— Scott Adams is a Madrid-based freelance writer

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