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Chapel Royal

A captivating chapel in continuous use for over 450 years

A captivating chapel in continuous use for over 450 years

Outstandingly rich, colourful and layered with history, the chapel's vaulted ceiling was installed by Henry VIII in the 1530s and is the grand culmination of Tudor opulence at Hampton Court.

In 1710, Queen Anne commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to remodel the interior of the chapel.

The royal family would never sit in the main body of the church. Kings and queens always used a private pew on first-floor level which looks down upon the main body of the chapel. Today, a single central room, like a box at an opera, is reserved for the monarch.

Catherine Howard and the Accusations of Adultery

It was here in the chapel, in 1540, that Archbishop Cranmer handed Henry VIII a letter outlining various accusations against the King’s new wife, Catherine Howard.

Catherine was accused of unchaste behaviour before her marriage. Henry VIII had been besotted with his young wife, which is why he turned against her all the more viciously. Catherine was executed at the Tower of London soon afterwards.

When

Open Wednesday - Saturday

10:00-16:30

Ticketing information

This is a working chapel which closes for religious services on Sundays and other holy days, and is therefore subject to short-notice closures. Please check palace opening times and closures for the day of your visit.

You are welcome to attend a religious service here. You do not require a palace admission ticket to attend a religious service.


Included in palace admission (members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets
A view of King Henry VIII's re-created Crown of State

Henry VIII's Crown

An accurate replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII is on display in the Royal Pew of the Chapel Royal, where Henry himself would have sat wearing it.

Please note that while the Royal Pew normally opens Wednesday to Saturday, it may close on short notice due to Chapel services.

View Henry's Crown

His Majesty provides this beautiful place of worship and its establishment of a chaplain, a full-time choir and a verger, for all who may wish to attend its services or visit it.

Father Anthony Howe, Chaplain and Deputy Priest in Ordinary

A high-level view of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, looking down over the dark brown choir stalls and chequered floor, along the stone Tudor windows and blue painted vaulted ceiling.

Visit the Chapel Royal

Religious services at the Chapel Royal

You are welcome to attend a religious service here. You do not require a palace admission ticket to attend a religious service.

Learn more

More information

Learn more about worship, music and the architecture of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace on the Chapel's website.

Visit the Chapel Royal website
The Chapel Royal ceiling adorned in gold and blue, looking east.

Chorister Open Day 2023

Come to our Chorister Open Day on Sunday 14 October 2023 and discover what life is like as a chorister of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace.

EXPLORE WHAT'S ON

  • Things to see

Henry's Crown

Marvel at the sparkling re-creation of Henry VIII's Crown, on display in the Tudor apartments at Hampton Court Palace.

  • Open
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

Haunted Gallery and Processional Route

Walk Henry VIII’s route from his private apartments to the Chapel and see the infamous Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments.

  • Open
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (members go free)
Learn more
  • Families
  • Things to see

The Magic Garden

Meet mysterious beasts, storm the battlements and discover the secret grotto in the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace.

  • Closed until February 2024
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (members go free)
Learn more

BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES

Anne of Cleves

‘I like her not.’ The wife rejected by Henry VIII

Catherine Howard

A young woman whose marriage to Henry VIII would end in tragedy

The Field of Cloth of Gold

Henry VIII's historic meeting with his great rival François I in 1520 was a defining point in his reign

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