Visit London Brings Great British Tea Party Experience to New York Ahead of Coronation of King Charles III

LONDON (March 29, 2023) –  London took over New York yesterday, hosting a quintessentially-British tea party at Edge for royal enthusiasts and Londonphiles, showcasing London’s famous pageantry ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III in May. Coordinated by Visit London, London’s official visitor guide to the city, the event recreated the iconic British street parties associated with special Royal occasions, as well as giving a taste of what travelers can experience in London this year.  

With breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline 101 storeys atop Edge, New Yorkers were treated to a British afternoon tea service fit for a royal from Peak Restaurant, complimented by a selection of teas and food treats from Fortnum & Mason – a London retail institution with a history of supplying tea to The British Royal Household.

The event brought all the pomp and ceremony of a Great British tea party with cakes, hats and Union Jack bunting. Attendees could also interact with one of London’s famous red phone boxes adorned with Delphinium’s – King Charles III’s favorite flowers. 

Guests were also treated to a special surprise performance by Broadway star, Keri Rene Fuller, best known for her performance as Jane Seymour in “SIX” – an award-winning show that has been running on London’s West End and Broadway. There was also a round of royal trivia hosted by Tracy Halliwell, Director of Tourism and Major Events at London & Partners alongside royal superfan Donna Werner, with special prizes for the winners.

Speaking at the Edge this afternoon, Tracy Halliwell, Director of Tourism and Major Events at London & Partners said: “We know that American travelers love London’s royal offer and are excited about the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III. Today’s event is all about offering New Yorkers a preview of what they can expect to experience in London in May. London is going to be putting on the biggest party of the year and we want Americans and people from all over the world to come and join in the celebrations.

“If you are not able to make it over in May for the Coronation itself, there are plenty of other reasons to come to our city this year. From the MLB and NFL London games to Europe’s biggest Pride celebrations and our famous Christmas shopping season, London is an all year-round destination with something for everyone.”

London’s official Coronation Weekend program & Major Events For 2023

The first coronation since 1953 will take place in London this May as King Charles III ascends to the throne, starting with the ‘The Kings Procession’ to Westminster Abbey on May 6, where every coronation has taken place since 1066. King Charles will be the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned and after the ceremony, the celebrations will commence with a royal procession back to Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, King Charles III will appear on the balcony to wave to onlookers from around the UK and the world. Spectators will be able to soak up the atmosphere and watch in person or on one of the many pop-up screenings in central London. This includes the screening at Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, which will include a Coronation Garden Party that will run all weekend long, and is free to enter.

The following day, Windsor Castle will open its gates for a celebratory concert that will be broadcast live on the BBC. While concertgoers will be treated to a medley of the UK’s top musical talent, iconic sites around London will be illuminated in an impressive display dubbed “Lighting up the Nation”, dazzling onlookers around the city. Sunday will also see a series of street parties hosted in London and towns and cities across the United Kingdom. Known as the ‘The Coronation Big Lunch’, Brits are being encouraged to share food and fun together with their neighbors and community members.

To cap off the celebration, a nationwide bank holiday will be held to mark the occasion and allow visitors and Londoners to celebrate with a long weekend and participate in ‘The Big Help Out’, a charitable initiative encouraging everyone across the nation to get involved with local and national projects.

Throughout the coronation weekend, restaurants and shops across the city will be running one of a kind royal offers, such as Hummingbird Bakery and the Grand Saloon Afternoon Tea at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane.  Bars and restaurants will be permitted to stay open two hours later than usual, allowing visitors and Londoners to enjoy the celebratory weekend to the full.

Make the most of the city’s royal sites all year round like Kew Gardens, starring horticultural marvels and historic Greenwich, with the spectacular Old Royal Naval College that can’t help but transport visitors back in time, and London’s array of palaces and castles, including the iconic Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. Summer tours of Buckingham Palace are back this year, with the opportunity for visitors to take in 19 beautifully decorated State Rooms and The Throne Room – often used as a backdrop for royal wedding photos. Also this summer we’ll see the annual Trooping the Colour in celebration of the King’s birthday. Additionally, London boasts an enviable calendar of exhibitions this year that serves as proof that the city remains one of the world’s capitals of culture, including Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians at the Queen’s Gallery and Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace which will be open to the public until October.

In addition to London’s royal offer, 2023 will see major events including Pride in London, the bi-annual London Fashion Week and Design Festival, and Notting Hill Carnival. The return of the MLB World Tour: London Series at London Stadium, the next series of NFL London Games this autumn, and the iconic Wimbledon tournament means sports fans will have plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favorite teams and players in one of the world’s most iconic cities. London continues to set the scene of new hit movies and top TV shows such as “Bridgerton” and its prequel, as well as “Ted Lasso”, unleashing pop culture tours for every taste.

For additional destination and travel information, please go to VisitLondon.com