Princess Diana’s London: What to See
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2 years ago
Spend a day like the people's princess
Today marks 25 years since the untimely death of Princess Diana. To commemorate the occasion, we highlight where you can learn more about the iconic royal in London, from retracing her favourite restaurants and theatres to seeing how she communicated through fashion.
Princess Diana’s London: What to See
Duke’s London, Mayfair
Mayfair’s boutique hotel, Duke’s London, was famously frequented by Diana. It’s a quintessential British style with a mahogany-panelled bar with antique portraits lining the walls. Nestled in a cobbled street cul-de-sac, the hotel, featuring the infamous Duke’s Bar, has crafted its signature martini’s that inspired Ian Fleming’s line for his James Bond franchise, ‘shaken not stirred’. dukeshotel.com
Hotel Café Royal, Regent Street
Princess Diana was one of many iconic women who frequented Regent Street’s hotel, along with Virginia Woolf and Elizabeth Taylor – just to name two. It’s said that Diana frequently took lunch here, but the hotel’s afternoon tea in the glittering gold Oscar Wilde room has the opulence fit for any royal. hotelcaferoyal.com
L’Escargot, Soho
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L’Escargot was a beloved restaurant of Diana’s, according to Stephen Fry’s book, More Fool Me: A Memoir. It’s the oldest French restaurant in London, so expect Parisian brasserie-style garlic escargots, duck confit, and lobster bisque. Situated in Soho, it’s a favourite among glitzy theatre-goers and creative types, counting Judy Dench and Coco Chanel as clients in the past too. lescargot.co.uk
The Diana Memorial Fountain, Kensington
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Not far from Kensington Palace, Hyde Park also plays host to Diana’s Memorial Fountain. Unveiled to the public in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II, the contemporary design of the fountain was designed to reflect elements of Diana’s life. Centred on the water’s flow, it cascades and swirls before reaching calm at the bottom of the pool. royalparks.org.uk
San Lorenzo, Knightsbridge
The Italian trattoria boasts a string of celebrities with Joan Collins, Sophia Loren and Jack Nicolson counted amongst Princess Diana. Expect Italian classics: zucchini fritti, organic buffalo mozzarella, and arancini. Husband and wife Lorenzo and Mara Berni opened the restaurant in 1963, who have said to be confidants of their star-studded clientele. sanlorenzolondon.com
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
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Princess Diana’s love of dance was well known. It’s said she regularly attended performances and had a particular penchant for ballet. Diana shocked the audience after performing a dance number herself to Billy Joel’s ‘Uptown Girl’ which was a surprise for Prince Charles for his birthday – that’s shown in The Crown, season four. roh.org.uk
SEE MORE
Where the Royals Eat in London / The Crown: 10 Princess Diana Looks We Love
Main image: Unsplash
