Claridge’s, the Mayfair landmark often referred to as the “annex of Buckingham Palace,” has announced a series of royal moments to mark the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Claridge’s in-house archivist Kate Hudson has searched through the hotel’s historical archives to unveil some of its most memorable royal moments. Showcased for all to see in Claridge’s Coronation Archive Windows on the ground floor of the hotel, this display will focus on royal coronations throughout the 200-year history of the hotel. These 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.
Besides offering insights into royal festivities at the hotel over the past century, the showcase will also include treasures that have been collected over the years—from a figural biscuit tin in the form of the royal state coronation coach to original coronation photographs, programs and official souvenirs. Claridge’s Coronation Archive Windows will be open in the hotel’s lobby throughout May, when the Mayfair hotel will also be flying Union Jack flags across its entrance.
Claridge’s resident artist David Downton will unveil a new color portrait of King Charles III to sit in the hotel’s Talking Heads Gallery—a collection of portraits showcasing famous hotel guests of past and present.
For those with a sweet tooth, 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, for the week of the Coronation, will be flourished with gold leaf. Following the hotel’s tradition of mixing special Coronation cocktails over the years, Claridge’s newest bar, The Painter’s Room, will create a special drinks menu, acknowledging the fact that King Charles is a celebrated painter. The cocktail list will reflect his love for the garden at Highgrove and all things floral, botanical and sustainable.
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