With just days to go until the crowning of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday, May 6, all the world’s eyes will be on London where Union Jack flags are flying high from Mayfair to St. James’s and beyond. As the jewel in the crown of gentleman’s clothing, Jermyn Street’s place in the capital’s sartorial heart is marked by an illustrious past. In its 300-year history, this iconic thoroughfare has always retained a distinctive character. Once the stomping ground of the great Regency dandy Beau Brummell, a statue sits at the Jermyn Street end of Piccadilly Arcade, its links to legendary tastemakers and distinguished residents including William Pitt the Elder and Sir Isaac Newton is well documented. But it is the street’s royal connections that makes it unique from any other.
Indeed, Jermyn Street’s very foundations can be traced back to 1661 when Henry Jermyn, Earl of St Albans obtained a grant of Crown land from Charles II to develop a residential neighbourhood in the area known as St James’s Fields. Inspired by Jermyn’s interest in Inigo Jones’s neoclassical designs, St. James’s Square originally was to be surrounded by 14 grand houses, with four streets – King Street, Charles Street, Duke Street and York Street – leading from it. The proximity of these stone-fronted residences to St. James’s Palace and the royal park soon attracted merchants from all over. It was in the eighteenth century, that the street became known for its shop sellers offering a wide range of beautifully crafted items of menswear.
To this day, Jermyn Street adheres to the traditions of luxury and craft, exuding a leisurely and pleasant ambience that is evident in its shops and businesses and the services they provide. Along with Bond Street, it is home to the highest concentration of Royal Warrant holders in London. From shirtmakers Turnbull & Asser and Hawes & Curtis to perfumers Floris and the landmark hotel The Ritz, the seal of Royal approval stretches all along the street.
In the run-up to the Coronation, tailor to the King, Emma Willis, will be displaying photos in her Jermyn Street store of a visit from His Majesty to her Gloucestershire shirt-making townhouse in 2020. The talented tailor is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, assisting the Lord Lieutenant in carrying out his role as The King’s representative. To mark the Coronation, she has created signature patchwork Swiss cotton boxer shorts in red, white and blue with real mother of pearl buttons.
Elsewhere along the street, shopfronts are dressed with bunting and flags. Highlights include Hawes & Curtis’s Coronation Edit, featuring a large gilt-framed photograph of The Mall, while Turnbull & Asser’s royal crown and orb floral installation is nothing short of a work of art. And, of course, there are plenty of coveted items to shop for to celebrate the Coronation.
Hackett’s special edition silk and wool pocket square comes in a limited run of 2,023, while Harvie & Hudson’s silver crown and Union Jack cufflinks are just the ticket. With top notes of blackcurrant leaves and heart notes of jasmine and rose, a bottle of Floris’ Bouquet De La Reine Eau de Toilette is the perfect scent to gift your loved one ahead of this historic day.
Gourmands, meanwhile, will delight in Paxton & Whitfield’s, limited-edition Cheese Cake, which features a trio of moreish British cheeses. The Little Box of Coronation Cheese together with The Charles Hamper has also been specially created for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. For every Charles Hamper sold, a tree will be planted in an urban location around the UK.
Those who fancy a wee dram, can enjoy a taster of Highgrove Organic Single Malt Whisky along with some heavenly chocolates made by another celebrated Royal Warrant holder, Prestat, at Harvie & Hudson’s flagship store on May 6. Don’t forget to save yourself for the Amaretto crème Brûlée, which will be served as part of Franco’s, one of London’s oldest Italian restaurants, exclusive Coronation menu, on May 6 and 8. Diners can also watch the proceeding on a large TV screen with a four-course menu served from noon and accompanied by zesty Coronation cocktails or a glass of Franco’s Champagne.
Elsewhere, Royal grocers Fortnum & Mason’s Coronation Collection will make your afternoon tea party or garden soiree sing thanks to a twist on British classics – from fine tea blends and biscuits to wines and spirits. The pretty packaging you see is thanks to the expert brushstrokes of heraldic artist and calligrapher, Timothy Noad. Other stunning keepsakes including a beautiful musical Coronation tin and a Darjeeling tea caddy, will serve as a reminder of this landmark occasion for years to come.
Speaking of moments to treasure, The Ritz will be hosting a Coronation Ball complete with a Champagne and Canapé reception in The Palm Court, before a bespoke five-course dinner with wine pairings and entertainment from the BBC Big Band in The Ritz Restaurant. The Rivoli Bar will also be serving a limited-edition Coronation cocktail. The King’s Coronation Royale is created with Silent Pool Gin, Kamm & Son’s British Aperitif and elderflower liqueur, with flavour notes said to evoke an English summer hedgerow.
And finally, for a little diversion from all the pomp and ceremony, on May 7, ‘Soul at Saint James’, located in the courtyard of the historic St. James’s Church, Piccadilly, will be celebrating the Coronation with the theme ‘Kings and Queens of Gospel’. This joyous outdoor event will feature the incredible Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and is the perfect way to spend a sunny (fingers crossed!) afternoon on Jermyn Street.