The monarchy, or Royal Family, has always played an important part in Londonʼs rich history and it comes to life in this area of Parliament, the Abbey and palaces. The walk includes Whitehall (government), Westminster Abbey (royal weddings and coronations), and Buckingham Palace (royal residence).

For hundreds of years after the Norman Conquest of England (1066), the royal court was largely based at the Tower of London in the east of the city. During the Tudor period (1485 to 1603) and thereafter, it shifted to this western part of London. 

The starting point, Charing Cross – originally wood but now a Victorian stone monument – has long associations with the monarchy as it was originally the location of one of the Eleanor Crosses erected by Edward I in memory of his wife - Eleanor of Castille. Nearby Trafalgar Square is home to two national art galleries containing many royal portraits and royal battle scenes. The square is dominated by Nelson’s Column that honours one of England’s most famous military heroes. 

Whitehall is the major road that links Trafalgar and Parliament Squares. It was once the site of a royal palace and is now the centre of Britain’s government. Horse Guards Parade off Whitehall hosts one of the nation’s great annual pageants, Trooping The Colour, which commemorates the Queen’s official birthday. Winston Churchill's Second World War underground headquarters, now a museum, can also be found here. 

The Palace of Westminster (Parliament) and Clock Tower with Big Ben — two iconic images of London — are dramatic examples of Gothic Revival architecture and nearby Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church have many royal, religious and diplomatic associations. 

Our walk takes you on from Parliament to Buckingham Palace, which has been the London residence of the monarch since Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837.  From there you walk through Green Park, close to the royal residences of Clarence House, Lancaster House and St. James’s Palace.