About Historic Royal Palaces
Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) is a royal charter body and a registered charity. Our registered address is Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU, and our registered charity number is 1068852.
Our mission is to create a world where everyone can explore and connect with the past, present, and future. As a charity, we are committed to preserving and sharing the stories of our six magnificent palaces (Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens) and making them accessible to all. Through partnerships, innovation and storytelling we strive to break down barriers, inspire curiosity and stir the spirit in people of all ages.
Terms and Conditions
When you purchase a patronage of Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), your patronage will be subject to the terms and conditions below.
This constitutes the entire agreement between you and HRP in respect of your patronage.
We may make changes to these terms and conditions. If we change any key terms, we will notify you before your patronage renews by email. Changes to these terms will come into effect once your patronage has renewed.
About Your Donation and Gift Aid
When you purchase patronage with Historic Royal Palaces, part of your support takes the form of a charitable donation to Historic Royal Palaces (registered charity number 1068852), which allows us to fulfil our charitable aims as an organisation. The amount of the purchase price which is a donation is set out on the patronage brochure on our website for each type of patronage and below in the section headed Patronage Categories.
When purchasing patronage, you may choose to apply Gift Aid to the donation portion of your patronage.
We can claim up to 25p of every £1 you give us at no extra cost to you. By choosing to Gift Aid, you are confirming that you wish Historic Royal Palaces to benefit from Gift Aid on this donation and any other eligible donations that you may make in the future or have made in the past four years. You are acknowledging that you are UK taxpayer and understand that if you pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all donations in the tax year, it is your responsibility to pay any difference. You are also acknowledging that the patronage you are purchasing is for yourself.
Please notify the Patrons Team if you wish to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address, or no longer pay sufficient Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax.
HRP is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and acts at all times in accordance with the code of Fundraising Practice. For further information on the Fundraising Regulator please visit: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/
Your Patronage
Your patronage begins on the date of purchase and lasts for either 12 or 36 months depending on the option you have purchased.
We will post your Patron card to you within 14 days of your purchase, by second class post. If your address is outside of the UK, your Patron card may take longer to reach you.
For new Patrons, you will be able to visit the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens immediately by showing the QR code on your email confirmation as proof of your patronage, until you receive your Patron card.
Please contact the Patrons Team if you have not received your Patron card and welcome pack within 28 days of purchase. Our system is set up to issue one card per individual patronage and two cards per joint patronage.
Patronage and any associated benefits are non-transferable and can only be used by the named Patron(s) on the Patron card.
Please bring your Patron card with you whenever you visit a Historic Royal Palaces site. A photograph or photocopy of your Patron card will not be accepted to gain entry to the palaces. We may also ask for a form of identification in addition to your Patron card upon entry.
If you lose your Patron card, please email patrons@hrp.org.uk so that a replacement card can be issued. If you wish to visit the palaces while waiting for a replacement card, please contact us so that we may arrange e-tickets to guarantee your entry.
We will keep you informed about your patronage and benefits mainly via email, including welcome information, events, and news from our palaces. Some communications may be sent by post.
To ensure you are not missing out on important information, please ensure we have your correct email and postal address and keep us up to date if your contact information changes at patrons@hrp.org.uk.
For more information on how we may contact you, please see the section headed How We Use Your Data below.
Patron Categories
You can purchase an individual patronage which includes one named adult (over 16), or a joint patronage which includes two named adults (over 16) living at the same address.
- Courtyard and Cloisters - £1,000 (£200 benefits, £800 suggested donation)
- Great Hall - £2,500 (£450 benefits, £2,050 suggested donation)
- Great Watching Chamber - £5,000 (£1,020 benefits, £3,980 suggested donation)
- Council Chamber – £10,000 (£1,500 benefits, £8,500 suggested donation)
Patrons can choose to commit to three years of patronage in advance with a 20% reduction on the suggested donation amount.
Children under the age of 5 can enter our palaces for free and do not need to be included on a patronage. Children under the age of 16 must always be accompanied by an adult with either a valid patronage or ticket.
We do not offer a concessionary patronage category.
Changes in Patronage Category
If, during your patronage subscription you wish to change your category of patronage to one with a higher cost, please contact us at patrons@hrp.org.uk and we will arrange to take payment for the difference in price.
If you wish to change to a patronage category with a lower value than your existing one, please contact us and the change will be made at the time of renewal. We cannot issue pro rata refunds for downgrading patronage.
Patron Benefits
Patrons are entitled, upon presentation of a valid patronage card, access to discretionary benefits.
The patronage and any associated benefits are non-transferable and can only be used by the named Patron(s) on the Patron card.
Historic Royal Palaces may, from time to time, review the range of benefits on offer to Patrons and reserves the right to alter benefits and entry rights.
Patrons are able to opt out of benefits and treat the full amount as a donation. It is also possible to purchase the benefits element of a patronage only at each level. To take up either option, email patrons@hrp.org.uk.
The current benefits are listed below:
Courtyards & Cloisters
£1,000 Benefits amount £200, suggested donation amount £800
- A unique and varied programme of behind-the-scenes tours, curator talks, and special events
- Invitations to exhibition previews and private views
- Privileged access to our conservation studio at Hampton Court Palace
- Opportunity to attend the Privy Council Dinner* held at one of our palaces
- Invitation to the Chief Executive’s Christmas drinks
- Unlimited palace entry with up to seven members of your family
- 10% discount on admission to Kew Gardens, in which Kew Palace and the Great Pagoda are situated
- All standard membership benefits including 10% discount in our shops, cafes, and restaurants, and a subscription to our members’ magazine, Inside Story
- Priority booking for member events
- Acknowledgement of your support in our Annual Review and on our website for the duration of your patronage
- A complimentary publication
*additional cost applies
Great Hall
£2,500 Benefits amount £450, suggested donation amount £2,050
All Courtyards & Cloisters benefits, plus:
- Invitations to ceremonial events at the Tower of London such as gun salutes
- Invitations to historic sites and other places of interest
- Further opportunities to get to know our curators, senior staff, and Tower officials
Great Watching Chamber
£5,000 Benefits amount £1,020, suggested donation amount £3,980
All Courtyard & Cloisters and Great Hall benefits, plus:
- A private tour of your choice for you and your guests
- A pair of complimentary tickets to the Privy Council Dinner
- Invitations to exclusive events and small group tours
Council Chamber
£10,000 Benefits amount £1,500, suggested donation amount £8,500
All Courtyard & Cloisters, Great Hall, and Great Watching Chamber benefits, plus:
- Tailor your experience with us and enjoy bespoke access to the palaces and collections according to your interests
- Up to three private tours per year for you and your guests
- VIP invitations to our most exclusive events
Overseas Patrons
Please be aware that Inside Story magazine will be sent digitally.
Membership Benefits
All Patrons are entitled, upon presentation of a valid patronage card, to receive the following discretionary benefits available to our members:
- Access to our royal palaces for you and up to 7 family members (8 in total). Please see below for additional terms on visiting our palaces and access to Kew Palace;
- A 10% discount in our shops, cafes and restaurants. This discount does not apply to alcohol and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Further exclusions may apply and these will be notified to you in our shops, cafes and restaurants;
- Access to exclusive member-only events (please see below for further details);
- A 10% discount on admission tickets for Kew Gardens, required to visit Kew Palace, The Great Pagoda, and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
Historic Royal Palaces may, from time to time, review the range of benefits on offer to members and reserves the right to alter membership benefits and entry rights.
Member & Patron Events
In addition to a programme of Patron-only events, Historic Royal Palaces Patrons benefit from access to exclusive member events. Member events take place throughout the year across our palaces, and are advertised on our website, through our email communications, and through Inside Story magazine.
Patronage guarantees priority booking for member events before they go on sale to all members. Some member events have a limited capacity. The number of tickets which can be purchased for a member event is dependent on its capacity. Tickets are subject to availability and sold on a first come, first served basis.
Tickets for member & Patron events can be booked through the Patrons portal. The lead guest must hold a valid patronage at the time of the event.
When booking a member or Patron event, please advise us (via patrons@hrp.org.uk) at the time of booking of any additional requirements so that we can accommodate any specific individual needs.
It is not possible to refund tickets for member and Patron events if the Patron is unable to attend the event for any reason. If it becomes necessary to cancel an event, we will contact ticket holders to arrange a refund or transfer.
We reserve the right to ask for a form of identification and refuse entry to those without tickets or proof of a valid patronage.
Visiting the Palaces
Please check our palace webpages in advance of your visit, where you will find our opening hours and information on closures.
You must comply with our Visit Terms and Conditions as set out here https://www.hrp.org.uk/terms-of-use/ when visiting any of our Palaces.
We may refuse entry or revoke your patronage benefits without refund if we deem that you have behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards any person at any Historic Royal Palaces property, damaged or threatened to damage any of the collections or property of Historic Royal Palaces, or if you have otherwise breached these terms and conditions.
Visiting Kew Palace
Please note Kew Palace is set within the grounds of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. There is an additional charge to access the gardens, in order to reach the Palace.
As a Patron you benefit from a 10% discount on admission into Kew Gardens, in which Kew Palace is situated. This allows you to visit Kew Palace, Queen Charlotte's Cottage and the Great Pagoda during their seasonal opening hours, as well as access to Kew Gardens.
Discounted tickets can be purchased via Royal Botanic Gardens. A valid Historic Royal Palaces Patron card must be presented on admission.
To book, please follow these steps:
- Visit Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
- Click on ‘Book tickets’, then ‘Book your time slot’
- Select 'All Other Visitors'
- Select the date and time you would like to visit
- Enter your Historic Royal Palaces discount code in the promotional code box which will enable you to purchase tickets for a discounted rate. The discount code can be found in your welcome or renewal letter.
Payment for Patronage
We reserve the right to amend the price of patronage subscriptions at any time. Any increase or decrease in the price of patronage will apply upon renewal and we will notify you in advance of your renewal date in writing.
Direct Debit Payments
Direct Debit is a safe, secure and easy way to pay, protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. Direct Debit payments are made annually in full, or in monthly or quarterly instalments, from the UK bank account of the lead Patron on a patronage. We accept Direct Debit payment for all patronage categories.
We will always contact you before we take a Direct Debit payment, and to remind you that your patronage is about to renew.
We will contact you to inform you of the exact collection date or of any changes to the amount, date, or frequency of the Direct Debit at least 10 days in advance of payment. You must ensure that you keep us informed of your current email address so that these communications reach you.
If the payment of patronage by Direct Debit is unsuccessful, we may suspend your patronage benefits until payment is received in full.
Other Payment Methods
We can accept payment towards patronage by debit/credit card, bank transfer, and cheque (this includes CAF cheque for the donation portion of your patronage).
If you pay for your patronage by card, bank transfer, or cheque then your membership will lapse the day after the expiry date printed on your Patron card unless you have renewed.
We will contact you at least 14 days before your patronage is due to lapse to ask if you wish to renew.
If paying by card, the credit/debit card information you provide us for a patronage transaction is used solely for the purpose of processing that transaction. We cannot accept credit/debit card payments by email, and we will decline to accept payment by this means.
We cannot accept charity vouchers towards patronage benefits, such as Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) vouchers, as these cannot be used to purchase goods or services as stipulated on the reverse of the voucher.
Cancellation and Refunds
Cancelling Within 14 days of Purchase
You have the right to cancel your patronage application within 14 days of purchase and receive a full refund for any patronage payment taken.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction.
If you paid by Direct Debit, you will need to request reimbursement through an indemnity claim with your own bank.
We reserve the right to charge you for any patronage benefits you have used before you cancel, such as a visit to a palace or purchase of discounted tickets/goods.
If you do wish to cancel, please contact us for assistance by emailing patrons@hrp.org.uk.
Cancelling After 14 days of Purchase
You are able to cancel your patronage at any time after 14 days of purchase, however, we will not be able to provide a full refund.
If you cancel after 14 days, we will deduct from your refund amount:
- The portion of your patronage fee which is classified as a charitable donation; and
- Any charges for patronage benefits you have used before you cancel, such as a visit to a palace or purchase of discounted tickets/goods.
Cancelling at Renewal
You have the right to cancel your patronage at the point of renewal. To cancel your Historic Royal Palaces patronage, please contact us at patrons@hrp.org.uk and we will confirm the action in writing.
We will always contact you before we take a Direct Debit payment, let you know that your patronage is about to renew and to remind you that your payment is due. If you wish to cancel your patronage before renewal you can write to us at patrons@hrp.org.uk at least 7 working days prior to the payment date and we will confirm your cancellation in writing.
You are also able to cancel your Direct Debit Instruction at any time directly with your bank. Please also notify us so that we can keep your patronage account up to date.
How We Use Your Data
We will retain your personal data whilst you remain a Patron and for as long as is necessary to carry out HRP's legal obligations and pursue our legitimate interests in accordance with our Privacy Notice. To find out more about how we process your data and rights to opt-out, visit our website here: https://www.hrp.org.uk/privacy-notice/.
While you are an active Patron you will receive essential communications from the Patrons Team - primarily by email (or by post where this is not possible), to fulfil your patronage subscription. These will include your Patron welcome email and pack, events of interest and our member magazine, Inside Story, distributed three times a year.
You can unsubscribe from receiving patronage communications by email or by post. To do so, please contact us via patrons@hrp.org.uk. Once we have received your request, we will take steps to cease using your information in this way. We may still need to contact you concerning the administration of your patronage, and we may contact you in the future with invitations for you to consider re-joining as a Patron.
Contact Details
The contact details for Historic Royal Palaces Patrons Team are as follows:
Patrons Team
Development Office
Waterloo Block
Tower of London
EC3N 4AB
Law
These terms are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English Law, and any claim brought under the Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
These terms were last updated February 2026