Royalty and Refinement: London Unveils Marie Antoinette Exhibitions and Afternoon Tea

London will transport visitors to the lavish world of Marie Antoinette with two cultural events commencing on September 20, 2025. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will launch its significant exhibition, 'Marie Antoinette: Style,' marking the first UK exhibition dedicated to the French queen's fashion and lasting influence. Simultaneously, The Kensington Hotel will present a bespoke afternoon tea experience, 'Let Us Eat Cake,' offering a culinary journey inspired by the grandeur of Versailles.

The V&A's 'Marie Antoinette: Style' exhibition, sponsored by Manolo Blahnik, will provide an in-depth exploration of the queen's profound impact on design, film, and decorative arts. Running until March 22, 2026, the exhibition will feature approximately 250 objects, including rare loans from the Palace of Versailles that have not previously been exhibited outside of France. Attendees can anticipate viewing historical and contemporary clothing, jewels, personal accessories, and even fragments of court dresses, offering a comprehensive perspective on this iconic historical figure. The exhibition aims to delve into the origins and revivals of her distinctive aesthetic, highlighting how her style, youth, and notoriety have captivated audiences for over 250 years, challenging assumptions and presenting her as a complex individual whose influence on European taste continues to resonate.

Complementing the V&A's exhibition, The Kensington Hotel's 'Let Us Eat Cake' afternoon tea is designed to evoke the opulent court life of Versailles. The menu features intricately crafted pastries such as 'Le Gâteau du Jardin,' a strawberry genoise sponge, and 'La Robe de la Reine,' a blackberry and lemon curd tartlet. Savory options include refined finger sandwiches, and traditional scones with clotted cream and jam, with vegetarian and vegan alternatives available. To enhance the regal experience, guests can indulge in 'The Queen's Coupe,' a signature cocktail made with Belvedere Vodka and Pimms. This culinary tribute is conveniently located a short walk from the V&A, making it an ideal pairing for exhibition attendees.

Marie Antoinette's influence on fashion extends far beyond her era, impacting contemporary designers and remaining a touchstone for style. Her bold fashion choices, from popularizing the chemise à la reine to her signature 'pouf' hairstyles, revolutionized 18th-century fashion. These concurrent events offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the enduring allure of a queen who, despite a controversial reign, continues to fascinate as a style icon. Together, the exhibition and afternoon tea create a rich cultural experience, inviting Londoners and visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the elegance and extravagance associated with one of history's most captivating figures.