New for 2026/27
Tuesday 6 October 2026
Step into the extraordinary world of the Last Princesses of Punjab with our KS3 Discovery Day tailored for Year 7-9 students at Kensington Palace. This is a unique opportunity to discover more about the remarkable lives of Princesses Sophia, Bamba and Catherine Duleep Singh, whose lives were shaped by Empire.
Through storytelling and hands‑on activities, students will explore questions of belonging, power and activism, and consider how young people in the past challenged injustice in ways that still resonate today.
Lives shaped by empire
From William and Mary to Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was home to monarchs whose power was tied to the growth of the British Empire. Discover the lives of a Sikh royal family whose kingdom was taken over by the British Empire moving them across continents, forcing them to adapt to new rules and expectations.
Closely connected to Queen Victoria find out more about how three princesses grew up to challenge injustice and inequality, using their unique positions to create change in the world around them.
What’s included:
- Performance - enjoy this 50 minute production of ‘Sophia Duleep Singh: Princess, Suffragette, Trailblazer’
- Exhibition – an opportunity to explore the Last Princesses of Punjab exhibition and find out more about the lives of these three incredible sisters
- Speak out – a practical session for your students to find the power of their voice.
Learning objectives
Students will:
- Explore personal stories in the fight for gender equality and reflect on how they can become advocates for equality today.
- Learn about the lives of people of diverse heritage in 19th Century Britain.
- Explore ideas and issues in an analytical, reflective and personal way.
National Curriculum links
This session supports:
- Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
- Understanding historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and using them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends and frame historically-valid questions.
- Understanding how people's lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influences and been influenced by the wider world.
- World building to develop a rich knowledge of past places and societies.
- Participating in discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said.
Outline of the day
There will be three performances throughout the day which will be part of a carousel of activities. Each group will be given a unique programme and will be supported by a member of the Schools Team to explore both the exhibition and accompanying workshop
Please choose an arrival time from:
- 10:15 am arrival for 10:45 show and 13:30 departure
- 10:15 am arrival for 12:30 show and 13:30 departure
- 11:45 am arrival for 14:00 show and 15:00 departure
Please note due to limited spaces we can not accommodate individual itineraries.
Capacity
The capacity for each performance is up to 80 people/two classes.
Price
Students:
- Age 11-14 (KS3): £5.40 per student (includes admission to Kensington Palace and all activities)
Teachers and adults:
- Adults up to our 1:10 ratio: Free
- Additional adults: £22.80
- Adults for 1:1 assistance: Free
FAQs
The KS3 Discovery Day takes place at Kensington Palace on the 6 October 2026 from 10am-3pm.
The Discovery Day is about Sophia Duleep Singh and her family.
From William and Mary to Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was home to monarchs whose power was tied to the growth of the British Empire. Discover the lives of a Sikh royal family whose kingdom was taken over by the British Empire moving them across continents, forcing them to adapt to new rules and expectations.
Closely connected to Queen Victoria find out more about how three princesses grew up to challenge injustice and inequality, using their unique positions to create change in the world around them.
The Study Day takes place at Kensington Palace. Schools will register at the Clore Learning Centre. The event will start and end in the Clore Learning Centre, but students will explore the exhibition Last Princesses of Punjab, watch a performance in the Kings Gallery and take part in a practical workshop.
Students:
Age 11-14 (KS3): £5.40 per student (includes admission to Kensington Palace and all activities)
Teachers and adults:
Adults up to our 1:10 ratio: Free
Additional adults: £22.80
Adults for 1:1 assistance: Free
The Discovery Day is aimed at Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students. It has strong links to the history, PSHE and English curriculum.
Each school can book up to two classes. There is a maximum number of 35 students per class. The adult supervision ratio is 1:10. 1:1 supports can be added on top of your supervision ratio.
You can book online using our schools booking form.
For questions please email kensingtonlearning@hrp.org.uk