King Charles issues changes with Queen Elizabeth’s ‘personal space’ at Scottish home

While the royal family are notoriously private, it seems things are changing in the modern era as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s personal apartments at her Scottish Palace of Holyroodhouse will be opened to the public for the first time. 

The showcasing of the special rooms, which the longest-reigning British monarch shared with her late husband, Prince Philip, is to mark the centenary of her birth in 1926. 

Visitors will have access to the “personal lived-in” apartments of the late couple and will be offered behind-the-scenes access to how they lived their lives while residing in the Edinburgh-based palace. 

Running for a limited time of 100 days this year, tours of the apartments will be led by expert guides who will discuss how each room was used by the late Queen during her 70-year reign.

The rooms open to the public as part of the tour include the Queen’s Dressing Room, where she would prepare for official engagements, and the Sitting Room, where she would work and relax by dialling into the horse racing on the television.

Furnished with a collection of furniture from the Royal Collection made by Young, Trotter and Hamilton, the suite of rooms dates back to the 17th century and is located on the palace’s east side, boasting views of Holyrood Park and the gardens. 

Visitors can expect to catch glimpses of pieces that were supplied to the Palace in 1796 in preparation for the arrival of Charles-Philippe, Comte d’Artois, Marie Antoinette’s brother-in-law and the future Charles X of France, who took refuge at the Palace during the French Revolution.

A peek at ‘private moments’ 

The opportunity for royal fans to gain an insight into the quiet moments of the late Queen’s life and relationship with her husband has been described by the Royal Collection Trust as “rare”. 

It said: “These modestly decorated rooms offer a rare glimpse into the personal ‘lived-in’ spaces used during private moments between official duties.”

© Royal Collection Trust

Emma Stead, curator at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, revealed: “Queen Elizabeth II’s well-known love for Scotland will be given fresh context through this unique and special access to the private apartments, where visitors will enjoy a new perspective into both the formal and more informal use of Edinburgh’s royal palace.” 

The tour will also take the public inside the Royal Breakfast Room, where the Queen and Philip would dine privately on a circular table, and inside her dressing room to peek at a shawl of purple and green Isle of Skye tartan, which the late monarch chose for the official opening of the Scottish Parliament on July 1 1999.

Speaking about the royal residence, Danielle Stacey, our Online Royal Correspondent, said: “The Palace of Holyroodhouse is nestled in the breathtakingly beautiful Holyrood Park, which is also home to the ancient Arthur’s Seat. 

“While the palace is more of an official residence and is conveniently located a stone’s throw from the Scottish Parliament, it is steeped in history and has been home to many significant royals, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Within the modern monarchy, it plays host to the annual garden party and is at the centre of the royal family’s Holyrood Week celebrations.”

© Royal Collection Trust

How to buy tickets for the tour 

Royal Collection Trust email subscribers will be given priority access to book tickets that cost £61 from 9 March. Remaining tickets after that will go on sale for an advanced price of £71 for adults or £75 on the day. They go on general sale on 12 March.

© Royal Collection Trust

The tours must be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, costing £22 in advance and £26 on the day.

The Queen Elizabeth II Private Apartment Tours will run daily from 21 May to 10 September.