In 2007 visitors to Hampton Court Palace will have the chance to meet the real Henry VIII. Everyone knows the image of the older, fat Henry, notorious for wars and wives, but as a young man, Henry was one of the most desirable men in Europe: highly educated, hugely athletic and a lucky catch for the ladies! But who is the man versus the myth? In 2007 Hampton Court Palace has the answers…..

On June 28 a new permanent exhibition about the early years of King Henry VIII’s reign opens in the Tudor Wolsey Rooms, giving visitors insight into this rich and sometimes overlooked period of his reign. We start with the story of the ‘spare heir’ who became King following the early death of his brother, which led to his inheritance of the throne as well as his brother’s widow, the powerful Katherine of Aragon. The three main characters who shaped the period thereafter, King Henry, Queen Katherine and Cardinal Wolsey provide the background to our story that explores the themes of Tudor politics, war and peace, the need for a son and male heir, and extravagant court life. A series of historic Tudor paintings depicting key points in Henry VIII’s reign are used to illustrate as well as explore these fascinating early years.

Costumed Events

Throughout the year special costumed events will continue to tell the tale of King Henry. During February half-term (10 – 18 February) children will learn how to be a King, getting a glimpse of the education young Prince Edward and Princess Elizabeth (later King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I) would have received at Hampton Court Palace in our Children of England event. Come and get a taster of their classes, from Latin and Greek to music and dance.

Over Easter (6 – 15 April) Henry claims Hampton Court Palace as his own in the costumed event Henry’s First Visit. Experience the pomp and pageantry surrounding his very first arrival at the palace, laid on by Cardinal Wolsey who was eager to impress. Then witness the historic soap opera that unfolded when the King reveals his plan to divorce his first wife Katherine of Aragon for a young court beauty by the name of Anne Boleyn. Repeated during the late May Bank Holiday (26 – 28 May).

King Henry’s great Tudor kitchens swing back into action at Easter (6 – 15 April), with the first in a series of live cookery events to run throughout the year. Our food historians and archaeologists will once again be experimenting with Tudor recipes, utensils and cooking methods. Live Tudor cookery thereafter takes place on the first weekend of every month and every bank holiday weekend (* see notes to editors for details).

During the early May Day Bank Holiday (5 -7 May) experience A Day in the Life of Henry VIII What was it like to be King Henry VIII? See the palace through his eyes as we follow him through a typical day with his servants, friends and petitioners.

Every weekend from May to August hear Tudor Tunes in Henry VIII’s Great Hall. The music will vary from boombastic fanfares to love poems set to music. Some of the instruments you’ll recognise, including bagpipes and drums, and some will certainly surprise you!

Daily from 2 June – 27 August, enjoy Pastime with Good Company. Join young King Henry, Queen Katherine of Aragon and Cardinal Wolsey as they relax with bowls, dancing, jousting and betting.

During October half term (dates TBC) children will learn how to be a King, visitors will once again get a glimpse into the education of young Prince Edward and Princess Elizabeth (later King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I) would have received at Hampton Court Palace in Children of England. Come and get a taster of their classes, from Latin and Greek to music and dance.

During the festive holidays celebrate Christmas Tudor-style with Henry VIII and his Royal Court. From 27 December 2007 – 1 January 2008 enjoy music, dance and entertaining fools with King Henry, as well as the creation of a Christmas feast in the Tudor kitchens.

This summer’s exhibition Young Henry VIII and all these costumed events are part of a larger project to tell the story of Henry VIII, the magnificent monarch with whom Hampton Court Palace is most famously associated. In 2009 Hampton Court Palace will mark the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s accession to the throne with further exhibitions, displays and events celebrating his historic reign.

Garden events galore!

On Mothering Sunday weekend (16 – 19 March) experience Florimania! Step in to the splendour of the Queen Mary’s State Apartments at Hampton Court Palace to see and smell a dazzling array of floral displays, inspired by different eras and cultures from around the world, all generously sponsored by Squire’s Garden Centres. Queen Mary’s State Rooms will be filled with over forty floral displays inspired by centuries of imaginative international flower arranging, from Greek and Roman garlands to modern art nouveau and art deco styles.

On the 19 and 20 May, Hampton Court Palace gardeners will offer you the chance to see behind the scenes. Step in to the palace nurseries and see the flowers before they are planted in these renowned gardens. Special events will accompany, including train rides around the gardens, and a sale of Hampton Court Palace plants, so you can take a piece of these famous gardens home with you.

The Lower Orangery Garden is being restored and will reopen in its full glory in June. William and Mary’s garden of exotic plants will be replanted with the Queen’s exotic plant collection, recreating the stunning displays first introduced some 300-years ago by avid horticulturalists William III and Mary II.

The Hampton Court Flower Show will be back from 3 - 8 July. See www.rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt for more information.

Al fresco fun

From 7 – 23 June enjoy an array of musical entertainments, with the return of the Hampton Court Music Festival.

In December look out for the return of the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. Christmas at Hampton Court Palace would not be complete without its annual outdoor winter ice rink! The famous Tudor façade of the palace provides a magical backdrop for six weeks of graceful gliding (or frustrated falling!) Joint skating and palace tickets are also available. For further information visit www.hamptoncourticerink.com 
 
Throughout the year see www.hrp.org.uk for more details on these events.