Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Using Heritage Science to Conserve Queen Caroline's State Bed
13 September 2024
Work on Queen Caroline’s much-loved State bed, which we care for on behalf of the Royal Collection Trust, continues at Hampton Court Palace and our attentions are now drawn to protecting the feet of this priceless historic object.
The King's 'Malady': George III's Mental Illness Explored
22 March 2024
George III had four prolonged periods of illness during his reign. Despite his achievements, he is perhaps most commonly referred to as ‘The Mad King’ – an unhelpful phrase that undermines the extent of his deeply traumatic ailments, and ignores his physical symptoms.
Royal Wetnurses: the 'Foster Mothers' of the Georgian Nursery
24 March 2022
Ahead of Mother's Day, we share the lesser-known histories of the women employed as wetnurses in the Royal Nursery. Taking on the role of 'foster mother' to young princes and princesses, they often developed a close personal bond with the royal family and received mementos that were passed down in families for generations.
Behind the scenes of Mind Behind the Myth with Daniel Regan
19 August 2021
Freelance photographic artist and group facilitator Daniel Regan reflects on his experience on the George III: Mind Behind the Myth project, and shares photographs of the time they spent working together.
George III: The Mind Behind the Myth exhibition highlights
14 May 2021
In the George III, The Mind Behind the Myth exhibition, we explore George III’s treatment for his ‘madness’ which took place at Kew, in 1789, 1801 and 1804. We have also included objects which tell us something of his passion and interests, and in so doing we have tried to show something of the real person as well as the ‘madness’.
Kew the Music: George III and Queen Charlotte's Instruments
15 June 2017
The reign of George III and Queen Charlotte saw a flourishing of arts and culture in Britain. The country's prospering cultural scene was undoubtedly encouraged by the royal couple's personal love of the arts.
A closer look: "A Bugaboo!", a political cartoon by Richard Newton from 1792
08 November 2016
This month, I’m liking a political cartoon by Richard Newton - the angriest and the youngest of all of the known satirical artists.