The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is one of the 32 London boroughs and holds the distinction of being one of only three London boroughs with the 'Royal' designation. Located in south-west London, it borders the boroughs of Richmond upon Thames, Merton, Sutton and Elmbridge in Surrey. The borough encompasses Kingston town centre — a major Thames-side retail and cultural hub — alongside the residential communities of Surbiton, New Malden, Tolworth and Chessington.