Headed to London for Christmas? Treat yourself and your loved ones like royalty with iBestTravel’s guide to the Queen of England’s favorite shops.
Although we’ve seen the Queen browsing in various stores like Waitrose and Sainsbury’s during official engagements, we rarely catch her doing the shopping herself. Nevertheless, the 93-year-old has some go-to stores for daily necessities like coffee beans and stationery, along with little luxuries such as perfume and truffles. The retailers that impress her are often granted a royal warrant, a mark of recognition for businesses that have supplied goods to the monarch for a minimum of five years. Below, we highlight some of her favorite shopping spots in London. The best part? They are all within a 10-20 minute walking distance, making it the perfect opportunity to shop like royalty this Christmas.
House of Fraser
The popular department store is a trusted supplier of household goods to the Queen. In her book, The Other Side of the Coin, the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly notes that it was her first stop when looking for luggage for royal tours. For years, the Queen used heavy leather wardrobes, but as travel became more demanding, Kelly sought something lighter and waterproof at House of Fraser. She ended up purchasing suitcases from the in-house brand Linea, ensuring that the Queen’s outfits arrive without getting creased or damaged—essential for royal style. While you’re there, don’t miss the Fulton concession stand to grab one of the Birdcage umbrellas for £21; the Queen possesses over 100 of these clear domed umbrellas, with trims and handles in every color to match her outfits.
HR Higgins
If you need some coffee, this Mayfair coffee and tea merchant has held a royal warrant for an impressive 40 years. Located on the tranquil Duke Street, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, HR Higgins has been crafting fine blends for three generations, featuring teas and coffees from around the globe. Whether you stop for an espresso to-go or join a coffee-tasting masterclass, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Those beautiful tea caddies also make exquisite Christmas gifts.
Hatchards
When not reading her correspondence, the Queen enjoys perusing books at this Piccadilly bookshop, believed to be the oldest in the UK. The royal warrant crest is proudly displayed over the entrance and above the counter, alongside a portrait of the Queen herself. A charming wooden staircase connects five stories of literature, and the creaky floorboards tell a tale of 200 years of history. Now owned by Waterstones, the shop is still a cozy haven for book lovers, with nostalgic Chesterfields and a vintage-style carpet.
Floris
As the UK’s oldest perfumer, Floris received its first royal warrant in 1820, serving as the “smooth pointed comb-maker” to King George IV. Floris has supplied perfume to the Queen for nearly 50 years. Although we may never truly know her signature scent—rumored to be the brand’s White Rose—the Jermyn Street store offers a vast array of fragrances. Interestingly, Floris No 89 holds a special place in the heart of British gentlemen, including the fictional icon, James Bond.
Paxton & Whitfield
Just up the street is the artisan cheesemongers Paxton & Whitfield, which holds a royal warrant awarded by Queen Victoria in 1850. The shop notably provided Aldwych goat’s cheese for the canapés served at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding in 2011. With the festive season fast approaching, this is an ideal spot for selecting cheeseboards, hampers, and gift sets, with options starting at £15.
Launer
The Queen’s signature little black handbags come from Launer, a brand she has favored for four decades. Specializing in understated, structured leather bags adorned with a distinctive twisted rope logo, Launer produces her preferred styles such as the classic Royale (£2050) and the best-selling Traviata (£1840). These bags feature long handles, preventing them from snagging on her clothing when greeting well-wishers. Launer handbags are available at various London department stores, including Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason, both of which also hold royal warrants.
Smythson of Bond Street
The upscale stationers, with a flagship location on New Bond Street, began its journey in 1887 and remains an epitome of style today. We’ve seen Kate Middleton carrying one of their monogrammed folders, while Meghan Markle gifted contributors to her guest-edited Vogue issue personalized Smythson leather notebooks. The Queen enjoys the bespoke writing paper, envelopes, diaries, and correspondence cards that Smythson crafts, solidifying the brand’s reputation for luxurious quality.
Charbonnel et Walker
Maintaining a disciplined diet, the Queen still treats herself to occasional truffles from the renowned London chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker. Founded in 1875, this shop located in the elegant Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street has a rich royal history and is one of the Queen’s preferred chocolatiers. While her specific favorite remains a mystery, the head chocolatier hints that she has “rather floral tastes,” with rose and violet creams being popular options. Princess Diana was also a fan; who could resist their stunning handmade boxes and delicious chocolates inside?
