The City of London's relationship with the Monarch and Royal Family

The City of London's relationship with the Monarchy leads back to the time of King Alfred the Great. At times the City has challenged the authority of the Crown, at other times it has been staunch ally.

In Charles I's time the popular cry in the City was 'We need no King, we have our Lord Mayor', but Charles II was greeted with such celebration that he was made the City's first honorary Freeman.

In George III's reign the thirteen colonies appealed to the City for support against the Crown in the revolutionary war; the City declined to take sides.

In 1992 our current Queen gave her Annus Horribilis speech in Guildhall, but opened her address to the Lord Mayor by remarking that "This great hall has provided me with some of the most memorable events of my life. The hospitality of the City of London is famous around the world, but nowhere is it more appreciated than among the members of my family"

This lecture explores some of the unique events that mark the City's long, complex and yet constantly fascinating relationship with the Monarch and the Royal Family.