Kate & Will’s London – A Royal-worthy Trip

Okay, so I know some of you are going to roll your eyes when you see this post as you couldn’t care less about the Royal Family, but if you’re anything like me you find the pomp and circumstance, and all the pageantry incredibly fascinating! On our recent trip to London we visited Buckingham Palace and strolled around Kensington Palace. I couldn’t help but think it’d be fun to visit London on a Kate and Will itinerary.

So roll out the red carpet and sound the trumpets, here is your list of royal-worthy places to visit.

WHERE TO STAY

The first choice that comes to mind is the Goring Hotel – where the Middleton’s stayed before the BIG wedding. Even If you don’t stay there you could always pop in for afternoon tea following a visit to Buckingham Palace (which is nearby).

Since Kate and Will’s residence in London is Kensington Palace, the second obvious choice would be a hotel in this neighborhood. The public areas around the palace are open to the public and this neighborhood is fabulous for wandering around.

In similar fashion, you could find a hotel in the Chelsea neighborhood, where the Middleton family own a flat and where Kate made her home post-university.

WHERE TO EAT

I scoured the web in search of restaurants where the famous couple are said to have visited. While I have no clue if these are accurate, here’s what I found:

• Koffman’s (Kate’s pre-wedding lunch date with Camilla)
• Dans Le Noir *Apparently you eat your meal in the dark and are served anonymously by blind waiters. I can see how it would be fun to be anonymous every now and again when you’re one of the most famous couples in the world.
• Brompton Bar and Grill (one of Will’s favorites apparently)
• Bluebird Café  (Kate, Carole and Pippa were said to have lunched here)
• C London in Mayfair
• Scott’s Seafood in Mayfair
• Brinkley’s in Chelsea
• Tom’s Kitchen

After dinner head over to Boujis in South Kensington or Mahiki in Mayfair for nightlife. Both clubs are extremely exclusive, so if you aren’t already famous you probably won’t make it through the door.

WHERE TO SHOP

For repli-Kate looks head over to King’s Road for upscale shopping. Here is a list of some of the brands Kate’s been known to wear and places she’s shopped at:

• Jigsaw (Kate worked as an accessories buyer here)
• Reiss
• LK Bennett
• Harvey Nichols & Harrods
• Issa
• Whistles
• GOAT
• Alexander McQueen
• Jenny Packham
• Temperley London

If you’re looking for a bargain, Kate’s been spotted in a few Zara items over the years! You can find these stores all over London, Europe and in New York.

Also, Harrods is a fun department store to stroll through and pick up a few souvenirs. There is a somewhat tacky Diana memorial in the basement (somewhat controversial because it is a tribute to Diana and Dodi). But might be worth passing through if you’re in the area.

If you’re shopping for your man, check out a few of Will’s spots:

• Hackett on Sloane Street
• Gieves & Hawkes (for suits and formal wear)
• Turnbull & Asser

And for your little one’s head into Blue Almonds, Trotters, or Dragons of Walton Street.

PLACES TO TOUR

• Buckingham Palace – the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837
• Westminster Abbey – the location of the Royal wedding
• Tower of London – see the crown jewels
• Madame Tussauds – if you’re into seeing wax people then this is the place for you! I’ve actually never been to one of these museums, but I’ve heard they are actually quite fun! The London museum has a replica of the Duchess in her blue Issa dress and her sapphire engagement ring.
• National Portrait Gallery – The Duchess’s first portrait hangs here

SPORTING EVENTS

Last but not least, if you visit during Wimbledon, you can channel the royals and get a ticket to see a match. Or if soccer is in season, head over to an English Premier league game (Prince William is said to root for Aston Villa while Harry prefers Arsenal).

What else would you add to the list?

Happy Travels!

Jenny