We continue to celebrate this Jubilee year with our Regal Summer Issue, remembering and honouring all the royal connections in Covent Garden. We start our journey with our spectacular Crown cover, which I voyaged 3500 miles to collect having been summoned to New York by legendary artist Ruth Marten. “I like Queen Elizabeth because she looks like my mother. As for my choice of a crown, it seemed the most fundamental symbol of her reign.” More on Ruth and her glittering career on p18.

Following on with our theme, we travel back in time to hear how hats have played a crucial role in society over the centuries. Inspiration is provided by a glimpse behind the scenes at our neighbours Laird Hatters.

In typical Covent Gardener style we hear about royal affairs (17th century ones…), and look out for some anti-establishment views, as well as a feature on attempted regicide at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. (Over in our sister magazine The Mayfarer the articles are a bit more sedate.)

Please have a look at the new Jubilee map — artist Adam Dant has created a set of new characters highlighting royal Covent Garden connections. Please do also let me know what you think of our puzzle page — is it too hard? If you need help with an extra clue or two I can always help.

I am incredibly excited to be announcing our second Cover Competition. The winning artwork will appear on the covers for the Autumn 2022 Issues of both The Covent Gardener and The Mayfarer, as well as being emblazoned on flags placed throughout Covent Garden and Mayfair. You can find the full brief on p20, along with a list of our esteemed judges spanning the world of art. Please do share this with anyone you think will be up for the challenge!