From fretting over what Prince George will be wearing when he starts school to googling pictures of Queen Elizabeth taking herself for a drive just because, when it comes to the British Royals, us Australians just can’t seem to get enough of them.
Apparently so much so, that we’d even go as far as to plan a holiday solely based around them.
And what more of a monumental time in history to do so than in 2017, with this year marking the 20th anniversary of the tragic passing of Diana, Princess of Wales. While we lost Diana much too soon two decades ago, her memory still lives on in the hearts of the people and the city she once called home.
Here, we take the hard work out of planning the ultimate Royal-approved holiday in the heart of London, as well as detail how you can remember Lady Diana in London your own way.
Where to stay
Embarking on a Royal-inspired holiday means booking accommodation fit for a queen, which is why five-star luxury Red Carnatation stay the Milestone Hotel is a must.
It’s certainly a splurge, but with numerous awards, hundreds of glowing reviews and its Kensington Palace-adjacent location, it seems the perfect place to play queen for a few days.
Seriously, though, this place is the real Royal deal; your room even comes with its very own butler service!
And to make things regally simple, anything you require during your stay can be arranged by the concierge – that goes for theatre tickets, reservations at the capital’s top restaurants and entry to any London attraction (including Kensington Palace and the Victoria & Albert Museum).
Not only that, but you can head to a show or dinner reservation in Royal-inspired luxury with one of the hotel’s organised horse-drawn carriage ride in an elegant 1800 Landau pulled by two horses. You know, just if you’re feeling a little bit fancy…
Check into the Milestone Hotel for a luxurious London stay.
Afternoon tea at the Milestone Hotel.
The bar at the Milestone Hotel used to be the house’s stables.
Relax and unwind in style
While you’re at the Milestone, and before heading out to explore London’s most royal-approved sights, capitalise on the regal feels by treating yourself to a luxurious day-spa treatment, fit for a queen.
No, really, the Milestone’s in-house spa specialist, Fiona Keane, is known to have not only treated numerous celebrities to opulent massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, including Joan Crawford, but has even been called upon for her services at Kensington Palace!
Prefer to work up a sweat? Personal trainer to the stars Andy Elliott can put you through your paces, as well as offer you a range of workout and nutritional plans that even the well-sculpted stars of The Hangover films have committed to in the past.
Go where the Royals go
A trip to the British-Royal capital would not be complete without a trip to Kensington Palace.
For modern monarchists there is no place more steeped in recent royal history than Kensington Palace. It was the sanctuary of Diana, Princess of Wales, after her split from Charles and is now home to her sons William and Harry, as well as William’s wife, Duchess Catherine, and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
All the exhibits are worth seeing but this year, it’s all about Diana: Her Fashion Story.
This collection features some of Diana’s most iconic dresses (including Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink blue velvet gown, famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta) and traces the evolution of her style during her life as Princess.
Kensington Palace: the home of Prince William and Duchess Catherine.
Not only that, but Kensington Palace Gardens and neighbouring Hyde Park are the site of two memorials to Diana, the beautiful Diana Memorial Fountain and the Princess Diana memorial playground, a must if you’re travelling with little ones.
Also at Kensington Palace, you’ll wander upon the White Garden, where beautiful white flowers and foliage have been planted in order to commemorate the life of the late Princess. Take a moment to remember Diana as you admire the tranquility of the garden, itself.
More Royal sights to see
Take in a slice or two of British royal history by visiting two of London’s most celebrated landmarks: Westminister Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Westminister Abbey, in all its Gothic glory, stands tall in the heart of the British capital city, and has done so for more than 700 years. Remember the magical Royal wedding of the decade where Prince William and Duchess Catherine were married by walking within its mesmerising four walls.
While you’re on a walk of the city, swing by St Paul’s Cathedral. This cathedral has a strong royal connection — Prince Charles and Princess Diana married here in 1981. It has also been the location of several high-profile funerals, including those of Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Westminister Abbey.
St Paul’s Cathedral.
Now To Love stayed at the award-winning 5-star boutique Milestone Hotel, the London flagship of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Located in Kensington Court directly overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens, just minutes away from the finest shopping in Knightsbridge. Prices start from $524 per night based on a Superior Queen room.
