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.