The Ritz became synonymous with glitter and highlife, attracting the high society of London. 1910 marked the death of King Edward VII, however the exorbitant lifestyle of the �Edwardian� era continued until the �lights went out over Europe� with the outbreak of World War I. The war had a significant impact on the prosperity of The Ritz. The management of the hotel decided that employees of English, French or Belgium nationality who joined the military with over a year�s service at the hotel behind them, would be paid half of their salaries in their absence. In addition, England passed a law requiring all hotels to accept English officers or member of their families for ten shillings a day each, including room and board. In effect, by 1915 The Ritz had a deficit in excess of £50,000.  The Ritz managed to survive the travesties of war, however, and then entered a decade that although had little taste for opulent Edwardian grandeur, had an almost desperate appetite for excitement and novelty. After the end of the war, The Ritz became the social mecca for the young and wealthy. Afternoons at the Palm Court meant socialising with friends and the opportunity for women to meet available young men. During the era of the �roaring twenties� the hotel became the haunt of the new aristocracy, the stars of Hollywood. 

The depression in the late 1920s and early 30s inevitably caused a serious decline in business at The Ritz. Staff wages were cut and even directors took a 25% reduction in pay as the number of American visitors greatly diminished.  By the mid-1930s the economy had somewhat revived and The Ritz became the venue for London�s Cafe Society and literary set as well as member of the Royal family. The Queen Mother used to go to The Ritz - she still attends the occasional party there - and it was at The Ritz that she is said to have ordered a meal from a menu for the first time. 

With the onslaught of World War II, the hotel endured shortages of such basic necessities as food, soap and linen. Life at The Ritz, however, appeared much the same as the hotel became a crowded safe haven for many. The fall of France led to a fresh influx of residents, and The Ritz became home to refugee royalties, aristocrats and politicians. This included King Zog of Albania who stayed at The Ritz until 1941. Other fugitives included King George of Greece, King Peter of Yugoslavia, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg, King Haakon of Norway, King Christian of Denmark and Dr.Benes , the Czech president. During the course of the war the hotel was the target of Nazi bombs on nine different occasions, but it managed to withstand the assault due to its steel structure. 

At the end of the 1940s, the war had ended and the situation had much improved. In 1948, the hotel showed a profit for the very first time in its history.  In the 1950s the hotel flourished, continuing to attract the aristocracy and nobility that it always had.

However, times began to change with the onset of the 1960s. In 1961 Marie-Louise Ritz, Cesar�s widow, died in Paris at age 94. That decade of the �new classless aristocracy,� as dubbed by the gossip columnists, heavily influenced society in London. Those of the �Beatle Age� adandoned traditional aristocratic values in favour of the fashion and manners of the new �swinging� elite. 

The 1960s and 70s were a relatively quiet period at The Ritz until 1976 when the property was bought by Trafalgar House. The Ritz then underwent its first renovation, replacing carpets, curtains and other furnishings in addition to upgrading and replacing the wiring and plumbing elements. Unfortunately, the reconstruction of the bedroom floors led to the loss of many of the original suites and it included the destruction of the old bathroom fittings. However, the property benefited from the computerisation, centralised purchasing and the active marketing of their new owner. 

The 1980s saw yet another resurgence in the popularity of the hotel among Britain�s royals. The hotel was the location to such functions as the 50th Birthday party for Princess Margaret and the Royal Wedding Gala following the marriage of HRH Prince Charles to the late Princess of Wales, Lady Diana Spencer. The restaurant, too, regained its popularity after the appointment of Chef Michael Quinn who became somewhat of a celebrity, introducing the hotel to Nouvelle Cuisine and prix fixe dinners. 

Throughout the 1980s and 90s the hotel�s popularity has continued to increase.  A dramatic, yet sensitive refurbishment has taken place, restoring both the public spaces and the guestrooms of the property to the grandeur of the original Louis XVI decor of its 1906 opening. Much consideration has been given to the authenticity and beauty of the new fabrics, furnishings and fixtures. 

Now one of the world�s legendary hotels, The Ritz continues to provide its guests with glamour, style, and traditional hospitality. The legacy of this historic hotel will no doubt continue to endure long into the 21st Century.