2017 is set to be another remarkable As the custodian of six renowned year for Historic Royal . heritage sites, we aim to give the We’re looking forward to revealing palaces the care they deserve. In several intriguing new exhibitions, addition to our on-going conservation complemented by an exciting and collections care programme, we are programme of events throughout undertaking several important re- the year. presentation projects. is the independent charity that will take centre stage Our transformation of Hillsborough with two new major displays. Opening in is underway, with major works looks after the Tower of , , February, Diana: Her Fashion Story will due to commence in summer 2017. the , , Palace explore the style evolution of Diana, Work will also continue on the Princess of Wales. The exhibition will restoration of The Great Pagoda at Kew, and . Our aim is to help everyone bring together a fascinating collection ahead of its reopening in 2018. explore the story of how monarchs and people have of memorable ensembles, ranging from This is my final year as Chief Executive shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. outfits worn in her earliest public of Historic Royal Palaces, as I will retire in appearances, to the glamorous gowns That’s where we come in… July 2017. It has been a great honour and and chic tailoring of her later life. privilege to have served as Chief The press office handles all media enquiries Find out who you can interview about In June, we will unveil an exhibition Executive for the past 13 years and I related to the palaces, from sharing news our exciting upcoming projects, how to created in partnership with the would like to thank you for your stories and photographs of our exhibitions organise a press visit and how we facilitate Center for British Art, entitled continuing interest and support. to facilitating documentaries and feature filming and photography. If you’re looking Enlightened Princesses: Caroline, Michael Day films (including, most recently, ‘Mission for a story or inspiration, check out our Augusta, Charlotte and the Shaping of Chief Executive, Impossible: Rogue Nation’), manning our plans for the year ahead! the Modern World. This display will shine Historic Royal Palaces Facebook pages and tweeting 1,000 years a light on the wide-ranging interests of of history. three influential royal women who played an important part in shaping the We want to make sure that you know about nation’s culture during the 18th century. everything we have planned. We know that you are immersed in deadlines and working Get in touch! In March, the will Call the Press Office on under pressure, so this guide is aimed at host a new after-hours immersive +44 (0)203 166 6166 or helping you get the most out of us. experience following the success of email [email protected] . NIGHTWATCHERS in 2015-16. Horrible We even tweet at Histories will return to Hampton Court @HRP_PressOffice in May, after a sold-out debut at the palace in 2016 and a medieval family festival will take place at the Tower over the early May Bank Holiday.

2 3 that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ in the 1990s. The Princess’s relationship with her favourite designers will be explored through a display of some of Diana: Her their original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process. Exhibition highlights will include the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for Diana’s engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in Fashion Story 1981, and Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink blue velvet gown, famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. A blue tartan Emanuel suit, rom her first public worn for an official visit to Venice in the appearances in 1981, 1980s, will go on display in public for the first time. The suit, a rare survival of the Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess’s daywear, was only recently captivated the world’s rediscovered and acquired by Historic attention as a princess, as Royal Palaces at auction. a trendsetter and as a patron and Opens 24 February 2017 Fadvocate of charities. Twenty years on from her death, a new exhibition and temporary garden celebrating her life will be opened at Kensington Palace, her home for over 15 years. Opening in February, the exhibition Diana: Her Fashion Story will trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life. From her earliest royal engagements, everything Diana wore was closely scrutinised, and The White Garden at Kensington Palace the exhibition will explore how she In place for spring/summer 2017 navigated her unique position in the public eye: learning to use her image to engage Whilst in residence at Kensington Palace, the Princess admired and inspire people, and to champion the the changing floral displays in the historic Sunken Garden and causes she cared about. would often stop to talk to the gardeners who care for it. In 2017, the gardeners at Kensington Palace will dedicate Replacing the popular ‘Fashion Rules’ the new planting in the garden to Diana, creating a exhibition in Kensington Palace’s Piggott temporary White Garden. Gallery, Diana: Her Fashion Story will display exquisite and celebrated outfits Complementing the palace’s exhibition, Diana: Her from throughout the Princess’s public life. Fashion Story, the garden will be planted with flowers and The exhibition will bring together an foliage inspired by memories of the Princess’s life, image extraordinary collection of garments, and style. Spring planting will include an elegant palette of ranging from the glamorous evening tulips and scented narcisii through a carpet of ‘forget me nots’. gowns worn on engagements in the In the summer, pots of classic English white roses will surround 1980s, to the chic Catherine Walker suits the reflective pool in the centre of the garden and the planting will become more exuberant, with glowing ornamental grasses weaving through Cosmos daisies and billows of graceful Gaura. The garden will be installed for spring and summer 2017.

4 5 Enlightened Princesses: Caroline, Augusta, Charlotte and the Shaping of the Modern World

pening at Kensington part in the shaping of Palace in June, a major the nation’s culture. new exhibition Enlightened From advocating the Princesses: Caroline, Augusta, latest scientific and Charlotte and the Shaping of medical advances – the Modern World explores the lives of crucially in women’s Othree German princesses, whose wide- health – to their ranging interests – and marriage into the involvement in charity – placed them at the work and roles as very heart of progress in the 18th century. major patrons of trade and British manufacture, While much has been written and Caroline, Augusta and discussed about the Hanoverian Kings Charlotte redefined what it meant to – in connection with the birth of a new be a royal woman, and created a legacy dynasty, the dynamic between Britain The exhibition, in partnership with which resonates in the world today. and Europe, the growth of empire and the Yale Center for British Art, draws the loss of America, the important role together for the first time at Kensington played by their wives has never before Palace almost 200 objects from across been carefully evaluated. This exhibition “Until this point, their the globe – including many highlights will see these three intelligent and from the , and the dynamic royal women celebrated for their contributions have been royal collections of Denmark and many achievements for the first time. the Netherlands. Portraits, artworks little understood and it is and fine ceramics commissioned In this period of immense change, Caroline the aim of this exhibition from some of the greatest artists and Charlotte left to become and craftsmen of their day will be queens consort to George II and George III to demonstrate how they displayed alongside the princesses’ respectively, while Princess Augusta held personal possessions to create a rich the titles of Princess of Wales, Regent, and influenced their era in the of 18th century culture. Princess Dowager, and was mother to King most vibrant of ways” George III. Though today largely forgotten by history, throughout the 18th century, Joanna Marschner, Senior Curator each of these women in turn played a vital at Historic Royal Palaces

6 7 Kensington Palace Hampton Court Palace

ensington Palace began as a life and reign through diary quotes and he centre of court life for over 200 Henry VIII’s apartments, once the scene of rural retreat for King William III personal artefacts. From the Red Saloon, years, Hampton Court Palace is one court feasts and , will in 2017 as he escaped where Victoria met with her Privy Council of Britain’s best-loved treasures, play host to a programme of daily Kdue to his ailing health. William and for the first time at the tender age of Tand in 2017 will come alive with , costumed activities bringing the rich Mary’s royal residence quickly became eighteen, to the room in which she was live performance and historic cookery. stories of Hampton Court’s history to life. the epicentre of courtly life for late born in 1819, this object rich display The historic building – which is split into Below stairs, Hampton Court’s celebrated Stuart and Hanoverian monarchs. features personal items exploring Victoria’s two distinct halves: the iconic Tudor palace kitchens are a living monument to 230 love of art, music and the theatre, alongside Today, Kensington Palace still serves as famous as Henry VIII’s pleasure palace, and years of royal cooking and entertainment. gifts Victoria and Albert exchanged with a private royal residence, while its public the State Apartments created for Between their construction in 1530 and the one another during their famous romance. side welcomes visitors to the King’s and joint monarchs Mary II and William III in royal family’s last visit in 1737, they formed Queen’s State Apartments. In 2017, the Meanwhile, within the opulent the – has many stories hidden the beating heart of palace life. The Tudor palace will play host to two exciting new designed King’s State Apartments, the within its walls. Kitchens seen today – including the Great exhibitions; Enlightened Princesses, a story of the glittering court of King George Kitchen and some of the subsidiary Since Henry VIII seized the palace from look at the intellectual pursuits of three II and Queen Caroline will once again be preparation areas – represent the most Cardinal Wolsey in 1528, Hampton Court Georgian princesses, and Diana: Her brought to life in the very rooms in which extensive royal Tudor kitchen range has been a witness to the honeymoons of Fashion Story, a celebration of Princess they entertained. Following conservation surviving anywhere, and in 2017 will delight Henry VIII, Mary I and Charles II, and the Diana’s enduring style legacy. work, in 2017 Queen Caroline’s Closet will with a series of special cookery events and birth and baptism of Henry VIII’s much display a selection of Holbein’s famed weekends. Elsewhere, the royal chocolate With royal style central to Kensington’s longed for heir. It has been the setting for drawings, famously discovered forgotten in making kitchen which once catered for story, one of the jewels in this palace’s confrontations and private meetings a drawer in this room by Queen Caroline three Kings: William III, George I and is the Royal Ceremonial Dress between Mary I and ; Elizabeth and displayed alongside other treasures George II – is the only surviving royal Collection; its beautifully preserved textiles and her many suitors; Charles I and from the Royal Collection for the delight chocolate kitchen in the country. Having feature in exhibitions and are available to Cromwell. It is the place where Jane of her guests. been used as a storeroom for many years, it view by media by appointment. Seymour died, where Charles I was is remarkably well preserved with many of The Queen’s State Apartments – built in imprisoned, and where William III suffered was born at Kensington the original fittings, including the stove, 1690 and amongst the oldest rooms in the a fatal accident. Shakespeare performed in Palace and spent her childhood there equipment and furniture still intact, and palace – are home to a display about the the : Handel played in the Chapel under the watchful eye of her mother. It plays host to regular chocolate making later Stuart monarchs, from the Glorious Royal, and Jerome K Jerome’s Three Men was at Kensington Palace where she was demonstrations. Revolution to the death of Queen Anne at in a Boat got lost in the famous maze. informed of the death of her uncle King the palace in 1714. This year they will The palace’s 60 acres of formal gardens William IV in 1837 and became Queen, and The palace’s sumptuous interiors have provide the backdrop for family activities, contain a multitude of treasures, from the also the place where she first set eyes on delighted generations of visitors, with the live musical performance and even world famous maze to a working royal her beloved Prince Albert. It was also King’s and Queen’s State Apartments Christmas carols. kitchen garden and the Great Vine – Queen Victoria who first opened home to a selection of masterpieces from planted at Hampton Court in 1768 by Kensington Palace to the public in 1899. the Royal Collection, set against a Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – now the The palace’s Victoria Revealed exhibition, backdrop created by some of the greatest largest grapevine in the world. which will be redisplayed in 2017 – set in the talents of the era: Sir , very rooms she grew up in – recounts her , and William Kent.

8 9 and The Great Pagoda Banqueting House

et within the iconic gardens at retreat – a new display will explore the nce the jewel in of the The Palace of was the largest royal Kew, in 2017 step into this tiny learned pastimes of Queen Charlotte, vast , Banqueting residence for the Tudor and Stuart courts dolls house of a palace and a keen amateur botanist and patron of House is the sole surviving building and at its height it comprised of a labyrinth Sexperience the joys and sorrows of King the arts. The first letter the Queen ever Oof what was once the largest palace in of 1,500 rooms spread over 23 acres. It George III and his family, told through wrote in English – addressed to her Europe. Banqueting House is most famous saw the secret marriage of Henry VIII and an engaging soundscape and displays children’s governess – will be on show as the site of Charles I’s execution in 1649, , one of the first performances of fascinating personal artefacts. With alongside a miniature house from c. 1780, but has a wealth of history to discover. Built of King Lear and the many mistresses of its humble origins as a country home the interiors of which were designed to hold state occasions such as masques, Charles II before it was destroyed by fire in built for a Flemish merchant in 1631, Kew and crafted by the young princesses. balls and banquets, its most famous 1698. The Lost Palace, an immersive digital Palace gained its first royal occupants feature is the magnificent ceiling painted experience, brings to life these forgotten During the summer months, the almost a century later with King George by Sir . King Charles I stories and more on the streets on the palace’s restored Royal Kitchens will II and Queen Caroline’s three eldest commissioned Rubens in 1629 to paint modern day streets of Whitehall and will host live cooking demonstrations, daughters: Anne, Caroline and Amelia. the lavish canvas to celebrate his father return to Banqueting House in 2017. offering the chance to delve into the King James I, but it was under this painting Famously associated with George III and tale of these historic royal kitchens, Contact the press office for opportunities that Charles walked to his execution. his wife Queen Charlotte – for whom the servants who worked in them to learn more Banqueting House the palace and gardens became a rural and Georgian culinary life. and The Lost Palace, to talk to one of our experts or to arrange a visit to view the stunning Rubens ceiling. Kew Pagoda 2017 will see Historic Royal Palaces embark on a fascinating new project to restore the Great Pagoda at Kew to its original Georgian splendour. After a period of extensive archival and archaeological research into this history of this unique building, we will begin conservation work on the Pagoda in 2017, in time for a public opening in 2018. Famously, the Pagoda was once adorned with eighty dragons, which vanished 20 years after the building was constructed in 1762. Rumours about the disappearance of these mysterious dragons have abounded since, but our curators suspect they were removed after a prolonged cold snap at the end of the 18th century. Our plan is to restore the eighty dragons to the building once more, using a combination of a traditional method – wood carving, and innovative new 3D printing technologies. Look out for the unveiling of the first of our new dragons early in the New Year. Work on the building will commence in the spring, and will also include a restoration of the Pagoda’s original colour scheme. Keep an eye out for press tours and media opportunities as our work on this exciting project progresses throughout 2017.

10 11 Tower of London Hillsborough Castle

or over 900 years the Tower of to lead the Yeoman Warders and take he official royal residence in be able to see a number of newly-hung London has dominated the City on the mantle of this distinctive role. , Hillsborough paintings on display in the recently of London and is still one of the Castle is one of the most beautiful conserved and refurbished Room, The Tower of London has been home to Fcapital’s most prominent landmarks. Tand interesting historic properties in the including some beautiful artworks on loan the world-famous Crown Jewels since Throughout its long history, the Tower has region. From its humble beginnings in the from Royal Collection Trust. the beginning of the 14th century. Still served as a royal palace and fortress, prison 1770s as the family home for the Hill family used by the Queen and her family today, During the 2017 season Hillsborough Castle and place of execution, an arsenal, royal to its prolific role in the Peace Process in the Crown Jewels on display in the Jewel will host an array of activities for all, from mint, menagerie and jewel house. Today, the 1970s, Hillsborough Castle has a House are largely those items used at fun filled family weekends, tours of the London’s great royal fortress is home to unique and significant role in the history the of a sovereign and are house and grounds to talks and musical some of the most potent symbols of British of Northern Ireland. collectively known as the Coronation evenings. Our aim over the next few years history: the Yeoman Warders, ravens and Regalia. Much of the collection dates from All year round there is something is to further develop and re-present Crown Jewels. Throughout 2017 there will the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, new for visitors to discover in the Hillsborough Castle to make the Castle be special events, family festivals, traditional when Charles II ascended the throne. Castle’s magnificent landscaped and its gardens more widely accessible ceremonies and exhibitions to illuminate gardens, which boast over 100 acres for future generations to enjoy. the Tower’s long and intriguing history. Around 3 million visitors a year surround of beautiful ornamental grounds, themselves with one thousand years of Please contact the press office for photos In 1078, William the Conqueror began woodland and waterways. British royal history and heritage at the and editorial information or to talk to our work on a great stone palace with Tower of London, making it the UK’s most From Easter 2017, when the house knowledgeable experts as we enter this walls 15 feet thick, known since the visited historic attraction. In 2017 a diverse re-opens for the summer, visitors will exciting time in the Castle’s history. medieval period as the White Tower. programme of events from immersive It now houses a collection of historic theatre experiences after dark to medieval royal arms and armour belonging to family festivals all promise to make you think the Royal Armouries, including the differently about the cobbles on which you magnificent armour of Henry VIII. tread and the history that surrounds you. Throughout 2017, a new permanent exhibition will delight families in the To find out more or to arrange a visit, White Tower. Armoury in Action brings please contact the press office. interactive displays and hands on activity to reveal the history of arms and armoury through the centuries, from medieval archery to Victorian firearms. The Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters, are descended from the ancient band of warders who, from early in the Tower’s history, had the responsibility for guarding the gates and royal prisoners. In 2017, we will welcome a new Chief Yeoman Warder

12 13 istoric Royal Palaces The gardens at Hillsborough Castle cover is embarking on an over 100 acres. Over time the significance exciting project – we’re and beauty of these wonderful gardens will opening the doors of be restored and brought back to life for Hillsborough Hillsborough Castle for visitors to explore and enjoy. We have already created a new South Terrace and everyone to explore the stories of Jubilee Garden and work continues to Hthis extraordinary place, and take restore the Yew Tree walk and other areas. part in its inspiring new future. We will also create new access, welcome, Castle We plan to transform the visitor experience and visitor facilities that will ensure a great at Hillsborough Castle, ready to welcome day out at Hillsborough Castle. The Stable 200,000 visitors a year by 2019. Through Yard located at the upper end of the estate this major project, new facilities including will provide visitor facilities adjacent to the car parking and a learning centre will be castle. The 18th-century Stable Yard Project introduced, the State Rooms will be buildings will be restored and the ground re-presented and the beautiful gardens floor will be adapted to create a café, shop will be restored. and facilities for local communities. The To date, we have re-presented elements of first floor will be developed into an the interior including the State Entrance inspiring learning space. The new Clore and adjacent Candlestick Hall with new Learning Centre will provide facilities for decorative schemes, furniture and learning and engagement activities with paintings that reflect the history of the schools, families, youth and community Castle and town of Hillsborough. groups, as well as talks and workshops for adults. At the lower end of the site, Work will now continue to focus on the new facilities will include a café, toilets, restoration and re-presentation of the visitor information, ticketing and meeting , Drawing Room and spaces for visitors, schools and groups Staircase Hall. Many of the original features arriving by car. in these rooms were destroyed by fire in 1934. We will re-present the State Rooms Contact the press office to find out more to provide an insight into the castle’s use as about this project and to follow what we both a royal residence and as a venue for do next! entertaining and political discussion, whilst retaining elements that capture the history of the castle.

14 15 Filming at Historic Royal Palaces

With everything from regal interiors to palace on a domestic scale, Kew Palace rustic courtyards, our palaces make the has some enchanting stories to tell. Further perfect location for your shoot. From the afield, Hillsborough Castle’s 98 acres of Digital Media medieval grandeur of the Tower of London gardens provide a beautiful setting, which to Hampton Court’s majestic Tudor palace, were recently explored in Channel 4’s these locations tell the story of almost 1000 ‘Penelope Keith at Her Majesty’s Service’. years of history and provide a captivating Furthermore, with a team of expert backdrop for filming. We host small scale spokespeople on hand who research and news and history documentaries right care for these incredible royal residences, up to major Hollywood blockbusters. we’ll always try to find someone to The funds raised through our filming fulfil your on-camera requests. activities help to conserve these historic buildings, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy. If you would like to make an Famously known as a prison and enquiry about filming at one execution site, the Tower of London has of our sites, please contact the been spotted in films such as ‘Mission Press Office. Further information Impossible: Rogue Nation’, as well as can be found on our website at Social media Blogs Multimedia in popular television series such as the hrp.org.uk/NewsAndMedia/ Each year Historic Royal On our blog, discover content BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Hampton filmingandphotography Palaces engages millions the latest stories from We tell old stories in Court’s stunning gardens have hosted of people on social media our palaces’ past and new ways through the feature films including ‘The Theory of Just looking for b-roll? We have with the history and stories present and go behind the broadcast quality footage of use of a broad range Everything’, whilst the famous Tudor from our palaces. Our six scenes in the world of our of multimedia content kitchens were the perfect place to explore Hampton Court Palace, Kensington palaces are represented specialist teams, including Palace, Hillsborough Castle and including photos, videos Tudor confectionery for ‘The Great British on Facebook, Twitter, the curators, conservators and gifs. We produce Bake Off’. Kensington Palace is a popular the Tower of London available Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, and gardeners. Find out for purchase. multimedia content to choice for documentaries, while the Periscope and YouTube. why our conservators support exhibitions, events spectacular Rubens ceiling of Banqueting Like, follow or subscribe spent 100 hours dressing and anniversaries, and can House offers a stunning location. As a royal to us for the latest news, a bed, what our curators work with you to supply photos and facts from found beneath the floor or produce content which the palaces. boards and how you fits your needs. grow apricots in April.

/HRPalaces @HRP_Palaces historicroyalpalaces /HistoricRoyalPalaces historicroyalpalaces.tumblr.com

16 17 Online at hrp.org.uk/newsandmedia you’ll find our latest press releases, factsheets on the palaces and more information on filming and photography. But to make it even easier, here are the answers to a few common questions…

I’ve been commissioned to write a I want to find out more about the piece about Hampton Court Palace; role of the Duke of Wellington at Q do I get complimentary tickets? Q the Tower of London – who should I ask? How do I go about setting up If you’ve been commissioned to A write about us, we can organise an interview with an expert? complimentary press tickets. Call us! If we can’t answer your Complete the application form questions ourselves, we’ll ask our on our website at hrp.org.uk/ A experts, whether this be one of our newsandmedia and email it to us curators, a tapestry conservator, a at [email protected] gardener or one of our warders. If you need more detailed information we My editor needs a photograph  can arrange an interview for you with of Kew Palace to accompany the person you need. Q the exhibition review I’ve written. What do I do? I’ve been commissioned to film a documentary about Charles I at Easy! We photograph all our big Q events and stories, as well as behind Banqueting House. How do I go A the scenes work at the palaces, so about it? first check our online gallery at Go online to hrp.org.uk/ hrp.newsteam.co.uk. Here you newsandmedia where you’ll find can browse shots of all the palaces, A everything you need to know, from then download hi-res versions background information about immediately, free of charge. If we filming and application forms to haven’t got what you’re looking for how you can obtain pre-recorded go to hrp.org.uk/newsandmedia broadcast quality footage of the to find out how to set up your own palaces from us. photography at the palaces.

Remember You can also call the Press Office , email on +44 (0) 203 166 6166 or tweet us at [email protected] us @HRP_PressOffice

19 www.hrp.org.uk