This is THE meeting place for British Parisians or lovers of English culture. The Smith & Son bookstore, rue de Rivoli, a stone’s throw from Concorde, established since 1870. At the start of the week, there is a royal atmosphere there. Because the king’s visit Charles III and Queen Camilla is fast approaching: they will be in Paris, then in Bordeauxfrom Wednesday to Friday.
The memory of the queen
A glance at the front is enough to know where you are going: behind the glass, portraits, books, magazines, cups, and even cushions bearing the image of King Charles III have been meticulously installed. Once inside, we therefore expect to see the sovereign everywhere… But it is the memory of the queen Elizabeth II, died on September 8, 2022, who hovers in every corner of the bookstore. On the right, a purple shelf, the color of royalty, displays memorabilia of the woman who reigned for more than 70 years. Mugs, corgi stuffed animals, magnets, tea boxes, jewelry boxes, even pens… The queen is everywhere.
Next to it, figurines bearing the image of King Charles try to find a place. “It’s especially the queen who sells. Last year was full of news, with the jubilee and unfortunately his death, tells us Patrick Maynot, who bought the store in 2020. All the English gathered at the store, some even presented us with their condolences. […]
Charles’ quiche and Elisabeth’s salad
The atmosphere is relaxed. Reading enthusiasts leaf through books on a red bench. The others head for the “baked beans” sold in the grocery section. Climbing upstairs, on the stairs, we find portraits of the queen, notably during her coronation in 1953. The late sovereign continues to overshadow her son even on the tea room menu: Charle’s coronation quiche sits alongside Elizabeth’s coronation’ chicken salad.
Back at the bottom of the store, the manager looks at what is selling the most. It is unequivocal: “More than a thousand mugs are sold each year. They serve as a support for each royal event such as jubilees, weddings, births.” On the shelves of books offered, the royal family is still there, but they are essentially biographies of the queen. “There is a real emotional attachment to her, Charles arouses less enthusiasm,” continues Patrick Moynot.
Can this state visit change the situation? “We expect excitement, yes, but not scale,” concludes our host. Charles, once again, does not capture all the light: “The next event for which we will have to prepare will be the coronation of FatherRinse William »