Kate Williams reveals behind-the-scenes tales of the British monarchy's residences, with contributions by royal commentators and ex-staff members, who give the lowdown on the stories that have shaped the modern royal family. Kate begins with Buckingham Palace, the brainchild of George IV, who hired architect John Nash to turn modest Buckingham House into a palace on a grand European scale.
Historian Jonathan Foyle casts his eye over Balmoral.
Some dramatic events have taken place at Windsor Castle, which was built more than 900 years, guided by Edward III and his obsession with tales of Camelot. There is a look at one of the most popular exhibits at Windsor - Queen Mary's Dolls' House - and Kate Williams revisits some of the castle's darker times, including the year when bubonic plague caused Queen Elizabeth to isolate at Windsor, and the death of Prince Albert in 1861.
Kate Williams explores the history of Sandringham in Norfolk, which is one of the few royal residences owned personally by the Windsors. It was purchased in 1861 for the rakish Prince Edward in the hopes he would settle down in the countryside, but instead he turned it into the perfect party palace, with a bowling alley, billiards and endless hunting and shooting. The historian also reveals how Prince Philip once proposed demolishing the place to make way for a more modern replacement, before being forced to relent by the Queen Mother.
A look at the history of Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, which is the family residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, while the programme also hears from a witness to Prince Philip's 2019 car crash near Sandringham, which lead to him handing in his driving licence.
An exploration of the history of Kensington Palace, which is currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Kate Williams also tells the tale of Elizabeth I's make-up, which was so poisonous that it would be illegal today, with her foundation made of lead and vinegar, her rouge from lead carbonate, and her lipstick from ground alabaster, with side-effects including digestive problems and respiratory issues.
A look at the history of Holyrood House in Edinburgh, which is the official royal residence in Scotland and saw bloody struggles for power when it was home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Kate Williams tells the story of a royal tomb raider and his ill-gotten booty from the grave of Charles I.
A look at the Palace of St James, which originally planned by Henry VIII for his second wife Anne Boleyn, but by the time it was finished seven years later, he was on to wife number four. Plus, stories about George IV and his wife Caroline, Robert the Bruce, and Queen Victoria. Last in the series.
Kate Williams explores some of the more gruesome stories of Windsor Castle history.
Kate Williams tells scandalous and shocking stories of ancient palace history.
Versailles is one of the most enormous and impressive palaces in the world.
Britain's royal palaces are rich in untold history, incredible artworks, and many tales.
Brighton's Royal Pavilion was originally a beach house transformed into a wonder palace.
Kensington Palace had always been a party palace but a gap in succession made way for foreign import George 1st of Hanover and his refurbishments.
London's lost royal palace Whitehall is destroyed, but the remnants remain.
Behind-the-scenes tales from the Palaces of Westminster, with the State Opening of Parliament the event where royalty and democracy come together. The Prince's Chamber was specially built for Queen Elizabeth II to rest before entering the Lords and taking her seat on the palace's royal throne, while a secret tunnel hidden behind the ancient walls is explored. Other stories featured include a hologram portrait of Elizabeth II and how Charles II dabbled in cannibalism.
Windsor Castle is the largest permanently lived-in castle in the world, and it's still packed with secrets. Plus, when Princess Margret died in 2002, her family were left with a £3 million pound tax bill.
Exploring Greenwich, the great lost palace, including Henry VIII's wine cellar and the Queen's house. Plus, a look at how In 2010, Prince Charles and Camilla found their limo in the middle of a riot.
The history of Hampton Court's Great Hall, a huge dining area built by more than 400 stonemasons, bricklayers, carpenters, joiners and labourers that was also used by Henry VIII to keep an eye on his household. Plus, a look at the 2002 Golden Jubilee Party, which was held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and is considered to have changed the public's perception of monarchy.
Behind-the-scenes tales of St James's Palace, which was built between 1531 and 1536 on the orders of Henry VIII and is the business centre of the royal family. There is a look at the history of Fabergé eggs, of which the Royal Collection contains three, and Kate Williams explores more gruesome stories of palace history, including the horrific story of what happened to Catherine Parr's body, and how giving birth in a palace became a spectator sport.
Behind-the-scenes tales of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, which was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840 and was turned into their perfect renaissance hideaway. Kate Williams goes on a culinary adventure and tries traditional Tudor cuisine, including snails and pigs' feet, while the horrors of the palaces' bedding ceremony is revealed, where a royal bride is observed on her wedding night to make sure the marriage is consummated.
Behind-the-scenes tales of Kensington Palace, which started out as Nottingham House until it was bought in 1698 by William III and transformed into a royal residence after a major renovation. Kate Williams explores some of the more gruesome pieces of palace history, including the grim death of Henry Stuart, the murder of Amy Robsart to clear a path for the queen, and the amazing story of Eleanor Cobham, the `Royal Witch".
The return of the programme that features behind-the-scenes tales of royal residences, beginning with stories of love and marriage from within palaces' walls. There is a look at the scandal caused by Princess Diana's intimate phone conversations with James Gilbey after recordings of them were sold to the Sun newspaper, while the programme also shines a light on the joyous time Elizabeth II spent with Prince Phillip at their palace of Villa Guardamangia on Malta, shortly after their marriage. Plus, Kate Williams reveals the extraordinary story of Prince Albert's erotic gift to his wife Queen Victoria.
Stories of palace private life - and the moments the royals wish were private - beginning with the royal family's race to be by Elizabeth II's side in her final moments at Balmoral. The programme forensically examines that day and uncovers how the deep family rift between Prince Harry and the rest potentially caused a tragic delay. Kate Williams shines a light on some of the most remarkable private tales from palace history, including the messy end of William the Conqueror's life when he was buried by a band of hapless monks.
This time, we uncover secret stories of palace scandal, as Diana confesses all to one of her closest member of staff, King Charles tries to move out his scandal-hit brother and we reveal the shocking link between Queen Victoria's favourite lapdog and a palace massacre.
We uncover secret stories of palace duty; including Queen Elizabeth II’s final balcony appearance; how not to look after the Crown Jewels; and Kate’s first palace assignment abroad.
Uncovering the secrets of Palace entertaining, from Wayne Sleep teaching Princess Diana how to dance, to the Buckingham Palace party that almost went up in flames.
Behind-the-scenes tales of palace retreats, exploring former royal yacht Britannia'a hidden history and unravelling why its loss caused such public sorrow on its decommissioning at Portsmouth dockyard. Plus, the secrets of George IV's seaside palace Brighton Pavilion, while Kate Williams tells the astonishing story of how George V's doctor hurried the dying monarch to his death at Sandringham in order that its could be reported in the morning's edition of the Times.
This time, we uncover the secrets of Queen Victoria's Palaces, as we explore the romantic hideaway designed for her by Prince Albert, open-up the scandalous diaries that reveal Victoria's racier side, and discover just how many times she was shot at by would-be assassins.
Behind-the-scenes tales of Tudor residences, with architectural historian Jonathan Foyle tracing the story of Hampton Court Palace’s creation and revealing it was a radical departure for architecture in this country. Plus, Kate Williams takes us to a Tudor palace banquet as she enjoys a starting treat known as coqz heaumez, which consisted of a helmet-wearing chicken riding a pig and was meant to suggest a proud knight on his trusty steed
