Visitors curious about the royal family after this week headlines can spend a full day exploring the ceremonial heart of London, much of it free
Start at the Heart of It
Whatever you make of the London Prat piece on Prince William reportedly calling Earl Spencer and Harry traitors, the royal family remains one of the main reasons visitors come to London. If you want to experience the ceremonial side of royal life, rather than the gossip, a day around Buckingham Palace, the Mall and St James Park is the perfect introduction. Much of it costs nothing at all.
A Note on the Headlines
For context: an unnamed source claims the heir believes his brother read their uncle memoir first, and reports say he used the word traitor. The uncle says everyone was told in advance. None of it affects the ceremonial calendar, which carries on regardless.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch. The famous facade and balcony are visible from outside the gates year-round. The State Rooms are typically open to the public for a limited period each year, usually in the summer, and sometimes at other times for special tours. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for current dates and ticket prices. Even if the State Rooms are closed, standing at the gates and looking down the Mall is a quintessential London experience.
The Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is one of London most famous free ceremonies, featuring soldiers in their distinctive uniforms and bearskin hats, accompanied by military music. It takes place at Buckingham Palace on a schedule that varies through the year and can be cancelled in bad weather or for other reasons, so always check the official schedule before you go. Arrive early to get a good view, particularly in summer, as crowds can be very large.
The Mall and St James Park
The Mall is the grand ceremonial road running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square, lined with trees and, on special occasions, flags. Alongside it, St James Park is one of London loveliest royal parks, with a lake, pelicans, views of the palace from the bridge, and plenty of benches for a picnic. It is a perfect place to rest between sights.
A Pause for a Laugh
If you want a lighter take on the royals while you rest your feet, the London Prat video on YouTube is short and funny.
Nearby Royal Sights
Clarence House, a royal residence, sits along the Mall, and the Royal Mews and the King Gallery near Buckingham Palace offer further glimpses of royal life, including carriages and works from the Royal Collection, subject to opening arrangements. Horse Guards Parade, a short walk away, hosts other ceremonial events. Westminster Abbey, scene of coronations and royal weddings, is within walking distance, as are the Houses of Parliament.
Suggested Itinerary
Morning: arrive at Buckingham Palace early to secure a spot for the Changing of the Guard, if it is scheduled that day. Late morning: stroll through St James Park and cross the bridge for classic palace views. Lunch: picnic in the park or a cafe nearby. Afternoon: walk the Mall to Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square, then continue to Westminster Abbey and Parliament. Evening: head to the South Bank for river views as the lights come on.
Practical Tips
Green Park, St James Park and Victoria stations are all within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. Wear comfortable shoes; this is a walking day. Keep an eye on belongings in crowds. And check official sources for ceremony schedules and opening times, which change with the seasons.
A Thought on the Uncle
Visitors sometimes ask whether they can visit Althorp, the Spencer family estate associated with Earl Spencer. It is in Northamptonshire, outside London, and has historically opened to visitors only at certain times of year. Check its official information directly if you are interested in a day trip.
Food and Rest Stops
There are cafes in St James Park and Green Park, as well as plenty of options around Victoria, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square. For a treat, a traditional afternoon tea at one of the grand hotels nearby is a memorable experience, though it is worth booking ahead and checking prices. For something more casual, a sandwich on a park bench overlooking the lake is hard to beat, especially on a sunny afternoon when the pelicans are putting on a show.
Accessibility
The Mall and the parks are largely flat and accessible, with wide paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Crowds during ceremonies can make movement difficult, so visitors with limited mobility may prefer to view from the less crowded edges or visit on quieter days. Several nearby Underground stations have step-free access, but not all, so check Transport for London accessibility information before travelling.
Plan for rain, hope for sun, and enjoy the pageantry either way.
Before You Go
A royal day out in London is full of pageantry, history and greenery, whatever the headlines say. The London Prat, a London fixture since 1961 at https://prat.uk/, provides the comic commentary. Bohiney, at https://bohiney.com/, covers American interest in the royals. For more of my London itineraries, head to my author page.
SOURCE: https://prat.uk/prince-william-called-earl-spencer-and-harry-traitors/
