CLARIDGE’S SET TO MARK THE CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING

Claridge’s - the legendary Mayfair hotel - often referred to as the ‘annexe of Buckingham Palace’, will be unveiling a series of special royal moments this May 2023.

Claridge’s Archivist Kate Hudson has searched through the hotel’s distinguished historical archives to unveil some of its most memorable royal moments and treasures. Showcased for all to see in Claridge’s Coronation Archive Windows, this display will have a particular focus on royal coronations throughout the 200 year life of the hotel. Mementos include pages from Queen Victoria’s diary, celebratory fans created by the hotel in 1911 for the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, and Claridge’s menus and cocktail cards created for the coronations of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The showcase will also include treasures that have been collected over the years from a charming figural biscuit tin in the form of the royal state coronation coach.

Claridge’s Coronation Archive Windows will be open to view in the hotel’s lobby throughout May 2023, when the Mayfair hotel will also be proudly flying Union Jack flags across its entrance bringing a sense of pomp and ceremony to Brook Street.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s signature Claridge’s Crest Cake, will have an extra regal touch. The crown in the hotel’s emblem acts as a symbol of status and Claridge’s royal appointment, and so – for the week of the Coronation – will be flourished with gold leaf. Claridge’s newest barThe Painter’s Room - will create a special drinks menu, nodding to the fact that King Charles proudly flying Union Jack flags across its entrance” himself is a celebrated painter. The cocktail list will reflect the King’s love of his garden at Highgrove and all things floral, botanical and sustainable.

Claridge’s has long been seen as ‘the royal hostelry’ from as far back as the nineteenth century and has a wealth of royal stories and anecdotes. For one Coronation, extra emergency flagpoles had to be added to the brickwork of the hotel in order to fly the flags for the many different royals and royal dignitaries staying at Claridge’s. Another legendary royal tale was that a few days before a notable royal occasion, when a harassed diplomat telephoned the hotel and asked to speak to the King, the response was “Certainly sir, but which one?”.

For more details, please visit claridges.co.uk Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR