Our team had been preparing for this moment for quite some time, and so the levels of excitement were sky high on this bright and sunny Thursday morning. Everything was to go to plan, right down to the timings of our lifts, to ensure Her Majesty was on schedule and thankfully, everything went smoothly. This was the first time the three ladies went out on an official Royal visit together, and as they took the short journey from Buckingham Palace to 181 Piccadilly, the press and crowds started to gather outside.

 

Wearing our signature shade, it was an unexpected joy for us to see Her Majesty step out in Eau de Nil. As they came into the store, they each went on a separate tour, Her Majesty to meet our Master Beekeeper, Steve Benbow, who has been responsible for keeping our rooftop beehives happy since 2008 and then to see the 60 unique Diamond Jubilee products created in celebration of her 60 years on the throne. The collection included fine bone china teaware decorated with the Queen’s beasts, as well as paper versions for the many street parties taking place across the country and a Majestic Marmalade with diamond-cut pieces of orange peel and flecks of real gold. One such product proved to be so popular that we still sell it today, our Jubilee Blend tea. A subtle, slightly smoky cup that is delicious with a classic cucumber sandwich.

 

The Duchesses enjoyed samples of Jubilee Blend and Wedding Blend, which was created especially for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Katherine Middleton just one year earlier on April 29th 2011 and, it wouldn’t be a trip to Fortnum’s without a visit to the chocolate counter. With over 500 varieties of truffles, pralines, ganache and more… it was quite the task for them to pick just one.

 

And so up to the Fourth floor, home to our award-winning Afternoon Tea, where Her Majesty officially opened the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. The trio were presented with bespoke Fortnum’s Hampers, each filled with wonderful things to suit their tastes, even including delicious dog biscuits for The Queen’s beloved Corgis.

 

This special moment is remembered fondly by all those present in Piccadilly that day, and many still work at Fortnum’s today.