A Royal Legacy of Glamour, Innovation, and Elegance

The outstanding luxury, glamour, and innovation that The Savoy introduced to the British hotel scene in 1889 made it an irresistible destination for London’s aristocracy and high society. At the heart of this distinguished patronage was Edward, Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, who reigned as the undisputed leader of fashion and sophisticated living. The Prince was a frequent guest at The Savoy, whether dining with his male friends, his lady companions, or even on occasion, his wife. One notable event in 1895 saw the Prince and Princess of Wales attending a wedding breakfast at The Savoy for the daughter of the Duc d’Orléans and HRH Prince of Savoy-Aosta. This marked the beginning of a long-standing royal affinity with the hotel, which would span generations.

A Century of Royal Visits & Milestones

Royals continued to frequent The Savoy throughout the 20th century both in an official capacity and for private leisure. Queen Mary graced the hotel in the 1910s, presenting awards at prestigious events, while decades later, the Queen Mother made regular visits, often stopping by for a quiet lunch in the 1990s. Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret enjoyed dinner and dancing in the 1940s whilst Princess Diana dazzled as the belle of The Savoy’s Centenary Ball in 1989. Every member of the British Royal Family made public appearances at the hotel and also enjoyed The Savoy in a private capacity. A significant moment in The Savoy’s history took place in 1946, when the entire Royal Family attended their first major post-war outing - a discreet wedding reception for a war widow marrying a distant relative of the Queen. The young Princess Elizabeth attended the private wedding reception with Prince Philip of Greece. Though the couple were already secretly engaged, the photograph of the couple at The Savoy marked their first public moment together. The Queen and Prince Philip would return frequently to The Savoy to celebrate their anniversaries with intimate dinners in The Savoy’s luxurious private dining rooms, a sign of their personal affinity and strong bond to the place.

Changing Times

As British society evolved, so too did the Royal Family’s relationship with The Savoy. Where once aristocrats and royalty would never have considered professional careers, by the 1990s, a new era of royal engagement with the wider world emerged. Princess Margaret’s son, Viscount Linley, was commissioned to design furniture for the restoration of The Savoy’s Front Hall in 1996. Then in a touching full-circle moment, Princess Margaret, who had once attended The Savoy’s grandest balls, returned to celebrate her son’s craftsmanship, demonstrating the family’s enduring connection to the hotel. Even The Queen Mother, a beloved regular patron, embraced the changing times. In the 1980s, she cut the ribbon at the official reopening of The Savoy’s newly renovated restaurant kitchens. No longer merely an emblem of regal tradition, she was now an enthusiastic supporter of modern developments at the hotel, perhaps motivated by her own enjoyment of The Savoy’s exquisite dining experiences.

Into the Modern Age

Even into the 21st century, The Savoy’s connection to the royals has remained. Following an extensive restoration, The Savoy reopened its doors in October 2010. A few weeks later, HRH King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, officiated the grand reopening ceremony. This momentous occasion reaffirmed The Savoy’s significance not only as a historical landmark but as a continuing beacon of excellence in British hospitality.

In 2017, a striking portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, painted by Henry Ward, was unveiled in The Savoy’s Upper Thames Foyer. Commissioned by the Red Cross to commemorate her six decades as its patron, the portrait stood as a lasting tribute to the Queen’s legacy. From the young princess who once danced the night away at The Savoy to the revered monarch who became the heart of the British Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth II’s presence at the hotel was both personal and profound.

A Timeless Royal Retreat

The relationship between The Savoy and the Royal Family is a testament to the hotel’s unmatched prestige and enduring appeal. It has been a setting for both grand occasions and private moments, a place where royalty could mingle with high society or simply enjoy a quiet dinner away from the public eye. Whether through Edward VII’s lavish gatherings, Queen Elizabeth II’s early social engagements, or Princess Diana’s dazzling appearances, The Savoy remains woven into the fabric of royal history.