Text by Francesca Wallace, Vogue Living
As two of the most high profile people in the world, it comes as a surprise that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex weren’t spotted during their latest trip to the Netherlands. Considering almost everywhere they go the pair are followed by a hoard of fans and photographers, any time they manage to slip away unnoticed is the result of immense planning and careful consideration. So when they were spotted at the opening of Soho House in Amsterdam recently, we were surprised, to say the least.
Travelling incognito to the launch party, Markle and Prince Harry arrived in Amsterdam over the weekend where they joined a host of celebrities for the event that welcomed the famous member's club into the European city. Spanning three days, the launch celebrations coincided with the 55th birthday party of Soho House founder, Nick Jones, who is a close friend of Markle. According to guests who were also present, no one knew the famous pair were there until they showed up at breakfast on the Sunday morning—and, to much surprise to many, were seated amongst the non-royal guests.
“Harry and Meghan were smiling and looking very happy with each other, very much in love,” a source told Us Weekly. “It was crazy being shown to a breakfast table and there was Harry and Meghan sat right next to us, but they were very smiley and seemed very comfortable and at ease. [They] never stopped smiling.” Mingling with guests including Eddie Redmayne and Lily Cole, the royals welcomed the newest Soho House to Amsterdam—but apparently didn’t partake in the red light district tour on the Friday night.
It isn’t the first time the royal couple has been linked to the Soho House brand. It was widely regarded that the couple’s first date was held at Soho House in London, a venue which was chosen for them by Jones himself. Markle also opted for Soho House Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, England, for her bachelorette party, reportedly hiring out a number of rooms in the hotel for a weekend away prior to her royal wedding in May 2018.
Located on the Singel Canal, the hotel’s 1930s building has been refitted to enhance its original features, playing up on ornamental wall pieces, high ceilings and window details for an overall heritage feel. Reminiscent of the interiors style that Soho House is known for, the inside is outfitted in a mix of antique-feel furniture and fresh colours, playing up on the ornate and traditional style of Amsterdam’s most luxurious hotels.
On the roof is Soho House’s trademark pool, this one decked out with fringed umbrellas and muted orange sun beds, which combined with the multi-shaded blue tiling makes for a very Slim Aarons-esque picture. Overlooking the canal and Amerstdam’s low-level skyline, the pool is certainly the city’s coolest new rooftop spot.
The hotel is complete with an in-house spa, The Cowshed, which was definitely a go-to spot for guests during the opening weekend, no doubt hosting Markle for a pedicure following the Saturday night celebrations.
So, you want to holiday like a royal? There's really only one place to consider—and (surprise!) it's Soho House!
Images: Soho House
