It’s the question that divides even the closest friends and is known for sparking family arguments. No, we’re not talking about Brexit – it’s the question of whether Kingston is in London or Surrey. 

Now, of course, since 1965 Kingston has been a London borough after the three former boroughs of Malden and Coombe, Kingston and Surbiton were amalgamated to form today’s Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames. 

But many still feel that the royal status, carried over from the former Royal Borough of Kingston, means that Kingston is more like Surrey.

Likewise, the fact that Surrey County Council’s County Hall is situated in Kingston, just around the corner from the Guildhall, highlights the strong links to the county. 

But with plans to move Surrey’s headquarters to Guildford or Working by the end of 2020, could this mean Kingston identifies more with London in the future?

We spoke with some residents to find out their thoughts.

Surrey – “Our heritage, greenbelt and community make us more like Surrey”

Susan Mary says she feels like she lives in Surrey, and worries about losing the borough’s heritage if it is seen as another London Borough. 

“We are a Royal Borough and as such this status needs to be protected, rather than swallowed up by policies that do not match the surroundings, as in Croydon and the likes of other London boroughs that have fallen victim to overdevelopment and identity theft.

“The Royal Borough’s status will be undermined by London policies. Kingston-Upon-Thames is in an extremely unique position in that it has the best of both worlds, why settle for one when we can have both. Surrey all the way for me.”

Others pointed out that the KT postcode makes Kingston different from most London boroughs. 

Resident Shori Mori said: “Keep it as Surrey and with a Surrey postcode. No to SW!”

But others think differently. 

London – “We have red buses and vote for the Mayor”

Jason Fada said “Kingston has been part of Greater London since 1965. It’s about time we updated everything, people still mistakenly believe we are in Surrey.”

Leah Moyse agrees, and said London “is so much easier to explain to people from other parts of the country who have no clue where Surrey is,” while Majeed Neky said that Kingston is “100 per cent Greater London – we have red buses and vote for the Mayor – end of.”

However, many residents also praised Kingston’s unique position between the two.

Both – “Kingstonians are proud of their town”

Geoffrey Austin said Kingston is “the best of both Surrey AND London,” and residents should be proud of their town which is the oldest Royal Borough in the country.

Sharon Nelhams added “To me it feels more like being in Surrey with a long history of royal links to London.

“I believe Surrey County Council will be moving at some point, but it will not make too much difference.

“We are so lucky to live approximately 15-20 minutes by train to central London, whilst having lots of green space and royal parks.”