Available media:

• video can be watched at www.henrythesuperstar.com
• range of stills images from the video for print and online
• music track and video available for broadcast or online use (royalty free)

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Henry’s Hampton Court Palace, in this video viewers will see Henry VIII as they’ve never seen him before. Surrounded by the ladies and musicians of his court, he performs a medley of Tudor ‘anthems’ - with a bit of help from some of the 20th and 21st centuries most iconic pop videos. Viewers are challenged to identify his influences and are invited to outperform the King by downloading the music or video clips and creating their own versions. In addition to following in the King’s digital footsteps, the five best videos – as chosen by Henry himself – will win the unique opportunity for the creator and their friends to visit his palace and meet him face-to-face.

With its tongue firmly in its cheek, the video plays on the ‘superstar’ status that Henry achieved in his lifetime (and arguably still does), and draws a parallel between his use of his own image, to emphasise his masculinity and power, and that of contemporary performers and celebrities. It also references his genuine love of music – with two of the songs featured having been composed by Henry himself.

With this video, Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity responsible for two of the places most associated with Henry, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, aims to introduce some of Henry’s favourite music to the YouTube generation, along with the idea that today’s celebrities aren’t the first to have used the latest technology to reach a mass audience and promote a flattering image of themselves.

Viewers are challenged to try and identify all the music videos parodied (or should that be all those who’ve been parodying Henry all these years?) and are invited to give the King a run for his money by downloading the music and/or film clips and creating their own versions.

For more information about this video, for embedding information, or for stills images or any other media formats from it, please contact Tim Powell in the Historic Royal Palaces press office on 07812 241 572 or at tim.powell@hrp.org.uk