The King’s High Street: Inside St James’s (Channel 5 Saturday 19 August 2023)

The King’s High Street: Inside St James’s airs Saturday 19 August 2023 on Channel 5.

What is this episode about

Kings and queens of Britain have made St. James’s, London their preferred destination for high-end shopping since the 17th century. This British thoroughfare is widely recognised as the country’s most upscale shopping district. Official royal warrants for goods used by the royal family and their households have been issued from St. James’s since the 15th century. During her 63-year reign, Queen Victoria issued nearly 2,000 royal warrants to British businesses.

In this show, we get to know the eccentric people behind these renowned businesses and the customers who frequent them for the finest in traditional English style and high-end goods. We go behind the scenes at Albert Amort, where the Queen Mother purchased her 18th century porcelain; we meet the restaurant staff who serve the British royal family and aristocracy; we chat with Emma Willis, shirt fitter to King Charles; and we visit Bentley and Skinner, where we can admire the fine craftsmanship of the royal jewels.

A St. James’s store may apply for a royal warrant if it has served the current monarch or their spouse for at least five of the preceding seven years. Every five years, the company’s performance is evaluated, and the award may be revoked if standards have dropped. However, many brands will have to adapt after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, as only products personally endorsed by Her Majesty will be able to use the title “royally endorsed” for up to five years after her passing. At this time, only King Charles III and the Prince of Wales have the authority to issue new warrants. Whoever is vying for the new royal approval seal is revealed in this film.

When can we see the episode

The King’s High Street: Inside St James’s airs Saturday 19 August 2023 at 8.15pm on Channel 5

Featured Image Credit: Channel 5