A seasoned London tour guide has lifted the lid on the burning questions American visitors have about the British Royal Family, revealing a surprising focus on two specific members who are no longer working royals.
The Royals Dominating Tourist Conversations
According to Will Hide, a travel writer for the Daily Telegraph and a qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide, discussions with US guests are overwhelmingly dominated by the monarchy. However, the curiosity is not centred on the senior royals like the Prince and Princess of Wales. Instead, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the figures who most pique American interest.
Will shared his observations, noting that while the duo are a constant topic, "few of my guests seem to be fans of the latter." He also pointed out a notable absence in the questioning, stating, "So far, not a single question about Andrew - perhaps it is still too raw a topic."
Polite, Curious, and Direct: The American Tourist
Since earning his prestigious Blue Badge, Will reports that the majority of his clients have been from the United States. This aligns with national tourism data, which shows the US as the UK's top source of visitors, with a staggering 5.59 million Americans travelling to Britain in 2024.
He describes guiding Americans as "an absolute joy," characterising them as "polite and curious." Will highlights a key cultural difference: unlike the stereotypical British 'stiff upper lip', American tourists are not shy about voicing concerns if something isn't to their liking during a tour.
From Sausage Rolls to Tube Praise
The guide's insights extend beyond royal gossip. He notes that while classic fish and chips remain a firm favourite, another British staple is winning over transatlantic taste buds: the Greggs sausage roll.
Furthermore, London's public transport receives high marks from US visitors. The London Underground garners almost universal praise, a reaction that might not surprise those familiar with the New York Metro system, Will suggests.
In a related anecdote, the article references a former Jack the Ripper tour guide, Jessica O'Nelil, who quit her role in 2014 after a distressing incident. While recounting the story of victim Polly Nichols, she was shouted at by someone accusing her of misrepresenting Polly as a sex worker, an encounter that made her feel too uncomfortable to continue.
