The Explorer and the Artist: The Wedding of Captain Scott and Kathleen Bruce at Hampton Court Palace

Scott of the Antarctic

Today, Captain Scott is most famous for his tragic death on return from the South Pole, but he was a household name even before he got married. Scott was a celebrated figure in the blossoming Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, when the world was gripped by expeditions into the remote, southern polar regions.

Commander of the Discovery Expedition (1901-1904), Scott’s first attempt to reach the pole set a new farthest south record and the expedition unearthed valuable knowledge about the still mysterious continent.

But despite his fame, Scott could be a shy, insecure man. A respected and outwardly charming naval officer, he hid a short temper and deep concerns about keeping up appearances and living up to expectations. After his father died, Scott spent most of his wages supporting his mother.

Image: Robert Falcon Scott c.1905. © National Portrait Gallery, London

The Explorer and the Sculptor

Scott found romance with the artist and socialite Kathleen Bruce. Bohemian and outgoing, Kathleen was one of the few female sculptors of her time. She studied as a pupil of Auguste Rodin and exhibited at the Royal Academy.

Over her lifetime Kathleen’s glittering friends included TE Lawrence (of Arabia), JM Barrie and Prime Minister HH Asquith. Kathleen first met Scott at a lunch party where she told him stories about going 'vagabonding' – long holidays abroad spent walking and sleeping outdoors.

The couple knew they were very different people and debated about getting married. Kathleen wrote later in her autobiography that, 'On two occasions I broke off the [engagement], but [Scott] was so patient – no scolding, no recrimination. "Take your time girl!" was all he said.'

Scott worried about money and that Kathleen might judge him for his carefully hidden anxieties. Meanwhile, Kathleen valued her independence. She also claimed to be looking for a man worthy enough to father her future son.

But ultimately, Kathleen was fond of her 'decent, honest, rock-like naval officer' and Scott took comfort in her artistic, free-spirited nature. They announced their engagement in 1908.

Image: Kathleen c.1920-25. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-B2- 6031-4

Image (below): Captain Scott and Kathleen on Quail Island in New Zealand, circa 1910. The two men on the left are unidentified. Ref: 1/2-016452-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

The Scott-Bruce Wedding at Hampton Court Palace

It was through Kathleen's aunt, Zoe Thompson, that Captain Scott and Kathleen came to Hampton Court Palace for their wedding.

Zoe was the widow of the Archbishop of York, and one of many single women granted Grace and Favour apartments at the palace in recognition of a close family member’s service to the country.

The Chapel Royal had performed marriages for families of palace residents since around 1890, and Scott had been best man at a Hampton Court wedding in 1906. The explorer was pleased with the chosen venue, though he wrote apprehensively that it was 'as pleasant a place can be chosen for a trying ceremony'.

On 2 September 1908, the Chapel Royal was decorated with lilies, ferns, and palms for the Scott-Bruce Wedding. The guestlist of more than a hundred people included Grace and Favour residents as well as veterans from Scott’s Discovery expedition.

It was a sunny day, but three thunderclaps interrupted the service – ‘a salute from heaven’, one guest joked. As Kathleen walked down the aisle, the bride spied Scott’s handsome best man, Captain Henry Campbell, waiting at the altar. She playfully teased her groom about marrying his friend instead.

Image: The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces

Reception in a King's Dining Room

Newspapers reported that the reception was held in the Oak Room – better known today as the King’s Private Dining Room in William III’s apartments.

Built around the late 17th century, the room found new life under Grace and Favour. From the late 1860s, residents used the space as a meeting room, theatre, and dance hall. Scott and Kathleen’s reception was one of many parties hosted here over the years.

Image: The King's Private Dining Room at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces

Lady Scott, Lady Kennet

Kathleen returned to Hampton Court a few times after her husband’s death. She visited her mother-in-law's rooms in 1920 and attended a service at the Chapel Royal during the Second World War.

Despite her private grief, Lady Scott stayed strong in the public eye. Defensive of her husband’s legacy, she immortalised his image in her art, including his statue in Waterloo Place, London. A prolific artist behind many famous monuments, Kathleen is recognised as one of Britain’s most significant early female sculptors.

Kathleen eventually married politician Edward Hilton Young, who later became Baron Kennett, and together they had another son, Wayland. She died in 1947, aged 69.

Image: Kathleen in 1934. © National Portrait Gallery, London