A five-star hotel in London is rumoured to have a secret tunnel leading directly to St James’s Palace, the residence of Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Alexandra. The Stafford London, located in St James’s and Mayfair, is said to house a discreet underground passage that once connected the hotel to the historic palace.
According to reports, the tunnel doorways have now been blocked off and are no longer in use by royals. The Royal Collection Trust has stated there is no evidence to support the claim. However, beneath the hotel lie impressive wine cellars built in the 17th century by Francis Godolphin, which house over 8,000 bottles of wine and Champagne.
The cellars, which can be hired for tastings and events, also serve as an informal museum displaying artefacts left by Canadian and American servicemen during World War II. During the war, the tunnel was used as an air raid shelter while the hotel operated as a club for Allied officers.
It has been reported that the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II both used the secret tunnel for discreet lunches away from the public eye. Originally a private residence in the 17th century, The Stafford London has hosted royalty, world leaders, and celebrities since 1912, with room rates ranging from £500 to £1,000 per night.
St James’s Palace, built by Henry VIII in the 1530s, served as the principal residence of the British monarchy until Queen Victoria moved to Buckingham Palace in 1837. Today, it remains a working palace and is home to several members of the royal family.
