The governance of Historic Royal Palaces
The governance of Historic Royal Palaces
9 April 2021. Following the death of His Royal Highness, there will be changes to opening hours for the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle. For further information, please read our FAQs page
Historic Royal Palaces is governed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom are non-executive.
Our Trustees promote Historic Royal Palaces’ Cause in the world. They act in the organisation's best interests, ensuring high standards in all the work we do, and that we use our money and resources as effectively as possible.
The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board of Trustees. He chairs an Executive Board of Directors.
Image: Rupert Gavin, Historic Royal Palaces Chairman, delivers an address at Banqueting House.
The Board of Trustees consists of a Chairman and 11 Trustees. The appointments are unpaid and Trustees are carefully selected for ability to support Historic Royal Palaces’ work.
The Chairman is appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport.
Four Trustees are appointed by The Queen, of which three are 'ex officio' appointments:
The Lord Chamberlain may choose to relinquish his appointment, in which case The Queen may appoint someone to take his place.
The remaining seven Trustees are appointed by the Secretary of State, of which two are 'ex officio' appointments:
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport wishes to appoint a Trustee with expertise and experience in historic buildings conservation and/or developing the potential of heritage sites to the Board of Historic Royal Palaces. Find out more about this appointment here.
The Chief Executive, John Barnes, is accountable to the Board of Trustees for the performance of Historic Royal Palaces and ultimately to Parliament for the public assets in our care. He chairs an Executive Board of Directors.