Claridge’s, the legendary Mayfair landmark often referred to as the ‘annex of Buckingham Palace’, announces a series of special royal moments to celebrate and mark the Coronation of King Charles III this May.
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 on the ground floor of the hotel, this display will have a particular focus on royal coronations throughout the 200-year life of the hotel. These precious 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.
As well as giving guests 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 charming 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 to view in the hotel’s lobby throughout the month of 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.
In addition, to mark this special moment, Claridge’s Artist in Residence David Downton will unveil a new color portrait of King Charles 111 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 so –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, nodding to the fact that King Charles 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.
