Britain oldest Indian restaurant is now fighting for survival and its supporters believe King Charles and Princess Kate may be its final hope. Veeraswamy, a historic London landmark that has served curry lovers for generations, is facing eviction from its longtime home on Regent Street, sparking national outrage and emotional pleas to the monarchy.
Founded in 1926, Veeraswamy has become far more than just a restaurant. It is widely regarded as a cultural bridge between Britain and the Indian subcontinent, hosting royalty, politicians, celebrities, and loyal diners for nearly a century. Its possible closure has triggered alarm among historians, food lovers, and royal watchers alike.
The crisis emerged after the Crown Estate confirmed it would not renew the restaurant lease. The decision has placed Veeraswamy at risk of losing its iconic location inside Victory House, a building steeped in heritage and closely linked to Britain imperial history.
Campaigners have now turned their attention directly to King Charles, urging him to step in and protect what they describe as a living symbol of shared cultural history. Their appeal is rooted in the monarch own long documented appreciation for curry and his outspoken respect for multicultural Britain.
King Charles has previously spoken warmly about his fondness for Indian food, even joking with Members of Parliament at Buckingham Palace about his preference for curry that is flavourful but not overpowering. For many supporters, this makes him an ideal figure to champion the cause.
Princess Kate has also emerged as an unexpected yet powerful ally in the public imagination. The Princess of Wales has repeatedly declared her love for spicy food, openly naming curry as her favourite takeaway and revealing that she and Princess Charlotte enjoy visiting curry houses across the country.
Adding to the symbolism, Sandringham own restaurant has recently featured lamb curry made using meat from the King estate. To campaigners, this connection feels almost poetic and further strengthens the case for royal intervention.
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The Crown Estate position, however, remains firm. The landlord, an independent property company whose profits ultimately go to the Treasury, insists the decision is based on structural necessity rather than cultural disregard. According to officials, Victory House requires extensive renovation.
Plans are reportedly in place to convert the building into modern office space, a move they say makes it impossible for the restaurant to remain in its current form. A spokesperson stressed that the choice was not taken lightly and followed months of internal review.
Despite these assurances, critics argue the eviction reflects a wider pattern of historic London institutions being pushed out in favour of commercial redevelopment. They fear that once Veeraswamy is gone, a vital piece of British cultural identity will vanish with it.
The backlash has been swift and vocal. More than 18000 people have already signed a petition demanding action, with supporters from across Britain and abroad lending their names. The petition is scheduled to be delivered to Buckingham Palace as a direct appeal to the King.
Legal action remains a possibility if negotiations collapse, with proceedings potentially beginning later this summer. Yet defenders of the restaurant insist they will continue fighting through every available channel to prevent closure.
Royal experts suggest that even symbolic support from King Charles or Princess Kate could dramatically shift the conversation. While the monarchy does not typically intervene in commercial disputes, their influence on public sentiment remains immense.
For now, Veeraswamy fate hangs in the balance. Whether the King love of curry and the Princess of Wales enthusiasm for spice can save this cherished institution remains to be seen, but one thing is clear. Britain is watching closely.
