History

Secrets of the Royal Palaces

Historian Kate Williams (Prince Philip: For Queen and Country; The Stuarts: A Bloody Reign) explores more stories about the residences of the British monarchy. Guiding the viewer through the art, architecture and recent events are specialist historians, royal commentators and ex-royal staff members who share the behind-the-scenes palace stories that have shaped the modern royal family.

Kensington Palace

43m 38s

How, in 1698, Nottingham House was bought and renovated by William III, turning it into Kensington Palace. Plus; the event where Princess Diana wore her famous revenge dress.

Episodes

  • Kensington Palace: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kensington Palace

    S4 E408 - 43m 38s

    How, in 1698, Nottingham House was bought and renovated by William III, turning it into Kensington Palace. Plus; the event where Princess Diana wore her famous revenge dress.

  • Osborne House: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Osborne House

    S4 E407 - 43m 50s

    Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House in 1840 as their perfect hideaway on the Isle of Wight. Plus the TV battle over the broadcast of the Queen Mother's funeral.

  • St James's Palace: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    St James's Palace

    S4 E406 - 43m 15s

    Exploring the palace at the heart of the monarchy. Plus, a look at Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Royal Yacht Britannia and the three fabulous Faberge eggs in the royal collection.

  • Hampton Court: Upstairs, Downstairs: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Hampton Court: Upstairs, Downstairs

    S4 E405 - 43m 39s

    Henry VIII turned Hampton Court into a palace masterpiece, including the Great Hall, where visiting dignitaries were entertained and where the king could keep an eye on his household.

  • Greenwich Palace: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Greenwich Palace

    S4 E404 - 43m 29s

    Exploring Greenwich, the great lost palace, which includes Henry VIII's wine cellar and the Queen's house.

  • Windsor Castle: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Windsor Castle

    S4 E403 - 43m 24s

    Windsor Castle is the largest permanently lived-in castle in the world, and it’s still packed with secrets.

  • Westminster: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Westminster

    S4 E402 - 43m 28s

    Exploring the secrets of Westminster, which is owned by the monarch, including a secret tunnel, a hologram portrait of the Queen and a look at how Charles II dabbled in cannibalism.

  • Buckingham Palace: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Buckingham Palace

    S4 E401 - 43m 36s

    Historian Kate Williams reveals the accidental origins of Buckingham Palace, which is constantly evolving.

Schedule

  • Image
    Secrets of the Royal Palaces: St James's Palace: TVSS: Iconic

    Secrets of the Royal Palaces

    St James's Palace

    Sunday
    Nov 10

    1 Hour

    Exploring St. James's, the palace at the heart of the monarchy, built by Henry VIII.
  • Image
    Secrets of the Royal Palaces: Osborne House: TVSS: Iconic

    Secrets of the Royal Palaces

    Osborne House

    Sunday
    Nov 17

    1 Hour

    Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Osborne House serves as their perfect hideaway.

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