Visit of Their Majesties The King and Queen

Their Majesties The King and Queen will attend a reception at Waltham Forest Town Hall, Fellowship Square, on Friday 20 December to celebrate the cohesion of the borough’s community, highlighted by peaceful counter-protests that took place in Walthamstow in August 2024 following disorder in other parts of the UK. 

Waltham Forest Council worked with its community partners to reassure local people. As a Borough of Sanctuary, Waltham Forest has a long tradition of welcoming, valuing, and celebrating people seeking sanctuary.    

Their Majesties will be introduced to local community volunteers, youth representatives, emergency services, frontline council staff, and local community and faith representatives who provide support, advice, and guidance to all, including refugees who are looking to build a new life for themselves.    

Residents wishing to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen will be able to access a viewing area in Fellowship Square via the Farnan Avenue and the Forest Road entrance nearest Farnan Avenue only. Please arrive from 10am. We expect Their Majesties’ arrival from 11am. 

Although you do not need to book tickets in advance, please be aware that due to safety and capacity restrictions in Fellowship Square, there will be a limited number of people permitted in the public viewing area. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please do check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather. 

There will be some disruption to council services on the day – please visit this page for the full details. 

Advice for event visitors

We will update this page with additional information over the coming days. 

Please do check back for more details.  

When to arrive 

Please arrive from 10am to the Farnan Avenue or the Forest Road entrance nearest Farnan Avenue. Capacity is limited and entry is not guaranteed.  

Access Fellowship Square from Chestnuts Field

There will be no access to Fellowship Square from Chestnuts Fields.

The only available entrances will be from Farnan Avenue, and the Forest Road entrance is nearest to Farnan Avenue. 

When the event finishes 

You will not be able to leave Fellowship Square after entry until the Royal visit has concluded, which we anticipate will be no later than 1 p.m.  

Parking 

There will be no parking available.  

Using public transport 

The nearest train stations are Walthamstow Central (Victoria line and Overground) and Wood Street (Overground). The Town Hall is served directly by the 123 and 275 bus, and the 34, 97, SL1, SL2, 215 and 357 bus routes stop a short distance from Fellowship Square. Please check tfl.gov.uk to plan your journey. 

Disabled access

The site has disabled access. Please use this form to let us know of any disabled guests so that we can make sure there is adequate space and support available on site. 

Dogs and assistance animals 

Unfortunately, as the square is expected to be very busy it will not be possible for guests to bring dogs, except for assistance dogs.  

More information 

If you require more information please request more information via our online form, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.