What I Wouldn't Miss in London as a Royal Enthusiast

Being raised by an Anglophile, a lover of British history, and a devoted royal enthusiast, it’s no surprise that I developed a fascination with England from a young age. What has surprised me, though, is how my own life eventually became intertwined with the very place that always seemed so far away growing up. I pinched myself every day I’d see the Royal Standard being flown from the top of Windsor Castle from the top floor of our house in Windsor. Not to mention, being able to pay our respects to the late Queen on the Long Walk as she was driven to St. George’s to be buried.

After spending five years living just outside London, my appreciation for England — and its history — only deepened. And while Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, and Windsor Castle rightfully earn their place on every royal enthusiast’s itinerary, I’ve found that some of the most interesting royal connections are tucked away in places many visitors walk right past.

So, for my fellow royal enthusiasts planning a trip to London, here are a few places I’d personally seek out if I wanted to experience some of the lesser-known corners of royal history.

📍 The Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

Okay, we’re starting off with a recommendation that isn’t a secret. In fact, tickets to the Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibit is sold out through mid-October and has been extended due to overwhelming demand.

So, naturally, if you’re visiting London anytime between this Autumn through early 2027, this would be at the very top of my list.

This exhibition explores Queen Elizabeth II’s life through fashion, featuring pieces from across her reign, including garments rarely displayed publicly. For those of us who have long admired not only the Queen herself but the role fashion played throughout her life and reign, it’s a fascinating lens through which to experience history.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Since this exhibit is highly sought after, I’d purchase tickets as soon as you know the dates of your trip to London. I will be living vicariously through all of you as we didn’t get word about John’s green card with enough notice to secure tickets before it sold out. Fingers crossed I can somehow figure out a way to pop over in early 2027.