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Historic Royal Palaces blog

Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces

The History of the Birthday Parade and other Royal Birthday Celebrations

20 June 2025

Jemima Hubberstey, Research Officer at Historic Royal Palaces, explores the history of royal birthday traditions.

Royal Trees at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

31 May 2023

Claire Woods, Gardens Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, reflects on some of the trees planted by members of the Royal Family, which are still available to view in the castle grounds today, and the newest addition for 2023.

Coronation Memorabilia: History and Tradition

12 May 2023

Historic Royal Palaces Curator Lee Prosser reflects on the long history of this fascinating aspect of royal history.

Charles II's Coronation Procession from the Tower of London

24 April 2023

Curator of Historic Buildings, Alden Gregory, takes a look at Charles II's Coronation - the last coronation in which the Tower of London played a starring role.

Preparing the Peace

10 April 2023

Reflecting on Hillsborough Castle’s political role, 25 years on from the Good Friday Agreement.

Wren's Royal Palace

08 March 2023

Head of Historic Buildings Daniel Jackson looks at one of Sir Christopher Wren's most famous and problematic projects: the remodelling of Hampton Court Palace.

What to see at Spring Spectacular 2023

01 March 2023

How our gardens team created a planting scheme for over half a million bulbs, and how to create a mini Spring Spectacular in your own outdoor space.

Frances Stuart and Barbara Villiers

10 February 2023

Learn about the relationship between Frances Stuart and Barbara Villiers, two of the most influential women at the court of King Charles II.

The Weird and Wonderful Medicines of Henry VIII

12 January 2023

Henry VIII is one of England’s most famous monarchs, but lesser known are his numerous medical problems and the often-extraordinary remedies which he used to treat them.

Elizabeth I’s coronation procession from the Tower of London

17 November 2022

Curator Charles Farris recalls Elizabeth’s dramatic procession from the Tower of London to Westminster the day before her coronation.