Don’t miss a moment of the coronation of King Charles III in St James’s this May, whether watching the action, spotting must-see displays or crowning your weekend with parties fit for a King.

1. Snap away at colourful flags

Be wowed by a sea of red, white and blue, as 175 Union flags fill our neighbourhood in a special display, from 25th April along Regent Street and 30th April across St James’s. You can also keep an eye out of the special coronation emblem at the gateway to every main street, find special bunting in pretty Princes Arcade and spot the flag flying above Buckingham Palace.

2. Marvel at the Emblem installation

Another must-see in St James’s over the Coronation is the eye-catching Emblem art installation, available to view for free from 27th April onwards in St James’s Market. Created by James Glancy Design and inspired by the official emblem of the 2023 coronation, this striking installation features flora and fauna symbolising the four nations, made into a crown, representing both unification and King Charles III’s love of nature.

3. Watch a moment in history

Escape the crowds, secure a deckchair and follow the action as the events of the coronation unfold in front of you on a big screen in St James’s Market. Free to view, the screen will show televised scenes on the 6th and 7th of May, so you’ll not miss a thing.

4. Take tea like the King

Get a glimpse into His Majesty’s tastes with afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, which promises to combine British flavours and the King’s favourite ingredients. Or sip your way through a Coronation Tea Tipple at Rockwell in The Trafalgar St James hotel from 4th to 18th May – this cocktail lovers’ twist on the classic afternoon tea includes the King’s Crown Chocolate Cake and three royal-themed cocktails. Nordic eatery Aquavit will also be giving its afternoon tea a regal twist.

5. Discover Royal Warrant holders

St James’s is home to many of the Royal Family’s favourite shops, from heritage clothing brands to perfumeries and purveyors of quality foods – each has been granted a Royal Warrant as a recognition for the remarkable goods and services they’ve provided to the Royals. Among them, find your ideal scent at Floris, check out the special Coronation Collection at Fortnum & Mason, pick up a limited-edition merino wool scarf at John Smedley, or follow in the footsteps of the King with shoes from Crockett & Jones or Turnbull & Asser.

6. Spot coronation window displays

Special displays are not limited to the Union Jack flags… at ground level there are also some spectacular window displays to discover. Ahead of the Coronation, ogle a portrait of the King by Nathan Wyburn in the windows at Smeg, and check out Truefitt & Hill’s intriguing mix of male grooming and afternoon tea with its Coronation Shaving Cream Tea design. You can also marvel at Christie’s King’s Street façade, which will be a riot of colourful flower garlands, flags and banners during the coronation weekend.

7. Indulge in foodie delicacies

Celebrate in style with special menus and dishes across St James’s. Among them, Wiltons is hosting a special seven-course Coronation Dinner from 1st – 31st May, full of organic and homegrown produce to honour the King’s eco-friendly ethos. The Beau is crowning its menu with a Coronation chicken burger and a Bonnie Prince Charlie Scotch egg plus royal-inspired martini cocktails. If you’re planning a party at home or in the street, pick up Paxton & Whitfield’s Coronation Cheese Cake made from three artisan cheeses or its Little Box of Coronation Cheese, a special coronation box of treats from Royal chocolatier Prestat, or one of Fortnum & Mason’s handy picnic hampers.

8. Party like royalty

Glam up for The Ritz London’s exceptional King Charles III’s Coronation Ball on 6th May. This one-of-a-kind black-tie event starts with a champagne and canape reception in The Palm Court and is followed by a five-course dinner in The Ritz Restaurant, a live performance from the BBC Big Band and dancing to Golden era classics. Alternatively, join The Stafford London’s action-packed Garden Party in the courtyard of its elegant American Bar on 6th May – enjoy music, outdoor games and entertainment, feast on party food, and toast the King and Queen Consort with a welcome drink on arrival.

9. Seek out special offers

You can find some royally good deals while shopping in St James’s over the Coronation. Head to John Lobb to get 10% off your second pair, or pick up a third for a 15% discount, until 31st May. Or receive a free gift with every purchase made in Tricker’s’ Jermyn Street store from 1st – 6th May.

10. Discover drawings from the King’s archives

Study artworks by students from the Royal Drawing School that were specially commissioned for the Coronation running from 2nd-25th May, alongside pieces by the school’s alumni that sit within the King’s archives, at Christie’s. The auction house is also providing a rare chance to see Shakespeare’s First Folios in a display marking the 400th anniversary of the printing of the Bard’s first folio.

11. Experience a stay fit for a royal

Indulge in a royal-themed breakfast, dinner, a famous gin martini and exclusive private access to some of London’s most prestigious heritage brands as part of DUKES Hotel’s A Royal Connoisseur Experience. Be treated to wine tasting at the UK’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd or live the life of luxury with a VIP welcome and stay in a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite at the St James’s Hotel and Club this year. Its Royal British Package also includes breakfast, champagne afternoon tea and a London tour in Mini Coopers – perfect for spotting those royal sights.

12. Take a stroll in St James’s Park

Take a moment out from the celebrations for a quiet stroll in St James’s Park, one of London’s Royal Parks. This haven next to The Mall and Buckingham Palace – where the Coronation processions start and end – will allow you to mingle with others in celebratory mood or find a peaceful place to unwind and look for wildlife. Try your hand at bird watching and spot the swans, property of the King.

Home to many Royal Warrant holders, time-honoured hotspots and heritage brands, it’s easy to feel like royalty in St James’s – follow our top tips for a Royal day out in the neighbourhood.