Itinerary planning for Groups and Travel Trade

Life through a Royal Lens

Now opening on 4 March 2021, groups to Kensington Palace will be able to visit this exciting new exhibition of private photos taken by members of the Royal Family including works by celebrated fashion photographer and husband to Princess Margaret, Antony Armstrong-Jones.

For almost 200 years, the medium of photography has created an unprecedented intimacy between crown and subject. Learn how Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s enthusiastic patronage of photography during its infancy helped this new invention receive greater scientific and public attention. On display will be examples of some of the earliest photographic images collected from the Royal Collection including a page from Queen Victoria's private negatives albums depicting Prince Albert. 

From the Victorian era to the Twentieth Century, the display will explore the impact of Cecil Beaton and Norman Parkinson’s work. Images of Her Majesty The Queen among other loyal sitters will reveal how their work shaped changing public perceptions of the Royal Family.

They may be some of the most photographed people in the world, but the royal family also have a passion for photography. A selection of images taken by members of the family will be exhibited, including works by Antony Armstrong-Jones, husband to Princess Margaret, who's images showed a different, informal side to the monarchy. Included in this display will be the infamous image of Princess Margaret posing in a bathtub wearing a Tiara alongside lesser-known images. 

Plan your visit 

• The exhibition will be included in palace admission
• The exhibition will run from 4 March-17 October 2021
• The exhibition will run on a timed admission basis and will need to be pre-booked

Returning in all its glory!

Originally set to open in spring this year, the exhibition commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Field of Cloth of Gold, Gold and Glory: Henry VIII and the French King, will open in April 2021.

Focusing on the events of 1520, the exhibition held in the heart of Tudor court, Hampton Court Palace, will reveal the characters and stories behind the organisation and festivities. Various paintings from the event itself will be on display, including a never-seen-before 16th century tapestry representing people of colour at the European royal courts, providing a window into the largely unknown world of black Tudors. In addition to paintings and tapestries, visitors will also be able to explore rare surviving objects from the event, among which will be the original letter sent to Thomas Wolsey from François I requesting a meeting with Henry VIII.

Top things to know 

• The exhibition will be included in palace admission
• The exhibition will run from 1 April-5 September 2021