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Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS:   The astonishing gilded wonder that is the Gold State Coach

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is a working stable and also serves as a home for the royal collection of historic coaches, motor cars, and ornately decorated carriages such as the opulent Gold State Coach. The Royal Mews is also a bustling transportation centre, responsible for organising all road travel for the royal family.

The Royal Mews is home to state vehicles, both horse-drawn and motorised, including those used for state occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament, royal weddings, coronations, and state visits.

The history of the Royal Mews goes back to the 14th century when the King's Mews was established at Charing Cross. The Royal Mews were used to keep hunting hawks when their feathers moulted (the word ' mew ' means moulting). The hawks could not be used for hunting when their feathers were moulting so they were kept in a 'mews' during this period.

The Royal Mews was destroyed by fire in 1534 and rebuilt as a stable. It kept the name 'mews' even though it now kept horses rather than hawks. When George II bought Buckingham House (now Buckingham Palace) in 1762 he created a riding school beside the house. Some horses and carriages were stot=red there, though most remained at Charing Cross.

When George IV took the throne he called on his favourite architect John Nash to rebuild Buckingham House as a royal palace. One of Nash's tasks was to build a Royal Mews, including stables, a riding school, coach houses, and harness rooms arranged around a quadrangle reached through a neoclassical arch supporting a clock tower.

Under Queen Victoria, the Royal Mews became, in her words, 'a small village which belongs to Buckingham Palace'. The queen founded a school to teach the children of families who worked in her 'small village'. Prince Albert added a forge and more outbuildings. All of the royal couple's children learned to ride in the riding school at the Royal Mews.

Today the Royal Mews still functions like a small village, with families occupying flats around John Nash's elegant courtyard. And rather than hawks, visitors can see the amazing collection of royal carriages and motor cars that ate regularly used to carry members of the royal family on ceremonial occasions, as well as watching the royal horses being trained.

Lest you get too envious of the royal family for getting to travel in such amazing fairytale carriages it is worth pointing out that many of the carriages look impressive but they sway and bounce so drastically that those riding in them can suffer from seasickness.

Did you know?

The reigning monarch names all the horses in the royal stables. At any given time there are around 30 horses in residence and each horse has a nameplate outside the stall with its name and year of birth.

Only two breeds are used to pull royal carriages; Cleveland Bays and Windsor Greys (which despite the name are white, not grey). Only Windsor Greys are used to pull the monarch's carriage.

One of the real treats when visiting the Royal Mews is that you get to watch the horses undergoing training. They need special training so they do not get skittish in front of large crowds and can deal with loud noises and people waving flags. The horses also have to learn to stand still for long periods of time.

Please be aware that the royal horses may not always be available to view since they may be on duty pulling a royal carriage, undergoing training, or simply out of London. Even if the horses are not available to view you can still see the historic stables and see the royal carriage collection.

The Gold State Coach

The highlight of a visit to the Royal Mews is the Gold State Coach, built in 1762 for King George III. It has been used for every royal coronation since then, beginning with George IV's coronation in 1820. The heavily gilded coach is decorated with tritons blowing conch shells in the front while cherubs festoon the carriage's roof.

The Gold State Coach is so heavy that it takes a team of eight horses to pull. It is also so large that to take it out of the Mews a wall has to be removed first. It takes a team of 30 people up to two days to turn the coach around.

Ornate is might be, but it is also extremely uncomfortable to ride in. King George VI called travelling in it to his coronation as ' one of the most uncomfortable rides I have ever had in my life ', while Queen Victoria said it suffered from ' distressing oscillations '.

Queen Alexandra’s State Coach

This fairytale carriage was made in 1865 for Alexandra, the Princess of Wales (later Queen Alexandra), the wife of Edward VII. It was intended as a simple town coach but sometime in the 1890s it was converted into a state coach. Its main duty is to carry the Imperial State Crown (along with the Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance) to the Palace of Westminster for the annual State Opening of Parliament.

Yes, that's right, the crown has its own carriage.

During the procession, the royal paraphernalia is accompanied by the Queen's Bargemaster, with Watermen acting as footmen. This is a reminder of the days when the crown jewels were transported by river to the Tower of London for state ceremonies. The crown and regalia are accompanied by a detachment of the Household Cavalry and receive their own royal salute.

Diamond Jubilee State Coach

The Gold State Coach might cause a few queasy moments for its passengers with its pitching and rolling, but the same cannot be said for the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, made in 2014. Though the carriage is modern, it is infused with history; incorporated into its fabric is timber from the Tower of London and fragments from Henry VIII's favourite ship, the Mary Rose .

The wooden crown on top of the coach incorporates a fragment of wood from Admiral Nelson's flagship the HMS Victory. But that's not all; the carriage also includes pieces of wood from the Antarctic base camps used by Captain Robert Falcon Scott and by Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Other historical items built into the coach's fabric include a musket ball from the Battle of Waterloo and a piece of Florence Nightingale's dress. The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is a mobile piece of British history.

Scottish State Coach

This coach was built sometime around 1830 and was purchased by Queen Mary in 1930. It was converted into the Scottish State Coach in 1968. The Order of the Thistle insignia was painted on the coach panels along with the royal arms of Scotland. On the roof is a fibreglass replica of the Crown of Scotland. Elizabeth II used the coach while attending the General assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh in both 1969 and 2002.

The coach is occasionally used for state processions in London. It also featured in Elizabeth II's 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle and at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo in 2016.

Glass Coach

This coach was purchased for the coronation of King George V in 1911. Its unusual name comes from the fact that glass is used in all the bodywork panels except for the rear. It has been used for several royal weddings, usually to carry the bride to the ceremony. The exterior panels depict the royal arms flanked by symbols of the Order of the Garter. The interior is lined with blue satin.

This ornately decorated coach transported Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon to Westminster Abbey for her marriage to the Duke of York in 1923. The couple, of course, later took the throne as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The same coach was used to carry their daughter Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth II) to her wedding in 1947.

The Glass Coach is usually the second in the procession to the State Opening of Parliament, behind the monarch's carriage. For events during Elizabeth II's reign it has carried her ladies in waiting and her Master of the Horse.

Irish State Coach

This elegant coach was exhibited by John Hutton & sons of Dublin in the Great Industrial Exhibition of 1853. Hutton hoped to catch the attention of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He succeeded, for the royal couple bought the coach. After Prince Albert's death, the Queen often used it in place of the Gold State Coach. When Victoria was named Empress of India in 1876 a frieze was added on top of the coach with the palm of India, the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, and the shamrock of Ireland.

Sadly, the wooden body of the original carriage was destroyed by fire whilst being prepared for the coronation of George V in 1911. The body was rebuilt on its original chassis in just 16 weeks and was ready in time to take part in the coronation ceremony.

Semi-State Landau

Think of the landau as the 19th-century equivalent of a convertible. The carriage could be used both in town and in the country, with the hoods up or down. Queen Victoria loved fresh air and often had the hoods down. There are several semi-state landaus, originally used by the royal family for informal occasions.

They were gilded and heavily decorated to take part in Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887 and were used in the Diamond Jubilee procession a decade later. The landaus are now used for a mix of ceremonial and official occasions. For example, all newly-appointed High Commissioners travel in a semi-state landau to present their credentials to the monarch.

Royal Motor Cars

The Royal Mews is not just home to royal carriages but also to a fleet of royal automobiles. One of the royal motor cars is a Rolls Royce Phantom IV, the most expensive car ever made by Rolls Royce. That said, Queen Elizabeth II's favourite car is a Bentley. Our tour guide told us that the Queen always likes to have a car blanket along, while Prince Philip wants to have a road atlas so he can follow the route.

The royal collection of motor cars includes three Rolls Royces, three Daimlers, and two Bentleys. There are also a pair of green stretch limousines by Jaguar used on informal public occasions. The oldest vehicle is the 1950 Rolls Royce Phantom IV. The cars are specially made so they can easily run at three miles per hour for long periods - useful for public processions. They have special Perspex roofs so that the public can more easily see the royal passengers. The two Bentleys have been made to use bio-fuels.

When a monarch uses one of the cars a special ornament of St George killing a dragon is fixed to the bonnet and a Royal Standard is flown from the car roof.

Did You Know?

All royal motor cars are painted maroon and black.

Father Christmas' Sleigh

The reigning monarch is not the only person allowed to use Windsor Greys; so is Father Christmas! Part of the Royal Mews collection is a small horse-drawn sleigh used by the Jolly Old Elf himself to distribute Christmas gifts to the children who live in the Royal Mews. As you might expect, the sleigh is decorated with tinsel and holiday bells.

The Royal Mews is much more than a stable and storage area for state carriages; it is a small community based around an open courtyard. Families who work in the Mews live in flats on several sides of the courtyard while the other sides have the horse stables, exercise area, and storage garages for motor cars and carriages. There are tack rooms and repair shops built into the ranges that run around the courtyard.

You can explore the carriages and motor cars by yourself, but we highly recommend taking one of the guided tours. Our guide was very entertaining and told us not only about each of the carriages and cars but also about the history of the Royal Mews and what it was like for the people who lived and worked in this wonderful historical setting.

Getting There

The Royal Mews is on Buckingham Palace Road, about five minutes walk from the front facade of Buckingham Palace. Facing the front of the Palace turn left and walk to the corner of Buckingham Gate. Turn right, and walk along the south face of the Palace, past the entrance to Queen's Gallery , and carry on down Buckingham Palace Road until you come to the Royal Mews entrance on your right. The closest underground station is Victoria, while St James is just a bit further away.

Note that you can get joint tickets for the Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery and that tickets are good for one year. Please be aware that since the Royal Mews is part of a working royal palace, closures can sometimes happen at short notice.

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Visit the royal mews to see the historic carriages.

With the coronation just weeks away, now is an ideal time to visit the Royal Mews to see the historic horses and carriages that will be in the world’s spotlight in May

You’ll hear the unmistakable sounds of horses’ hooves clip-clopping down The Mall this spring as The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace gets preparations underway for the coronation of King Charles in May. This living piece of royal history, built in 1825, is responsible for all the royals’ road travel arrangements, from carriages to cars. It has recently reopened to the public for spring (Thu-Mon), so you can look around these magnificent working stables and admire the steady and reliable horses: white Windsor Greys, which transport the royals around in style, and the brown Cleveland Bays, used to pick up high commissioners and ambassadors.

What to expect

Inside the Mews, there’s a replica Semi-State Landau, a grand royal carriage that was very popular with Queen Victoria for ceremonial occasions. You can climb up and sit inside it, so take a selfie of yourself practising a regal wave. You can also see the spectacular Gold State Coach, used at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and again at her Platinum Jubilee pageant last year when a hologram was used to depict the young sovereign on her historic procession more than 70 years ago. Pride of place at every coronation since 1821, this four-tonne gilded carriage has an opulent interior lined and upholstered with satin and velvet (though apparently a hot water bottle was laid on its seat to keep Queen Elizabeth warm on the chilly coronation day). The exterior is equally exquisite with painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses, three gilded cherubs on the roof representing England, Scotland and Ireland, and huge Tritons towering above the wheels. You’ll be stunned to see how huge the carriage is up close – no wonder it needs eight horses to pull it.

Small is beautiful here, too, and little ones will particularly love the miniature carriages, which were built to be pulled by ponies, dogs, sheep and even goats. You can see the cute donkey-drawn barouche, which was given as a Christmas present to Queen Victoria’s children in 1846. The scaled-down carriage proved to be a firm favourite with the young royals – Victoria and Albert had 10 children alone – and was clambered all over by the royal family’s youngsters for at least three generations. It’s been depicted in old photographs at Windsor Castle and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, but you can now see the dinky carriage in the Mews. Petrolheads, meanwhile, will drool over a rather more sophisticated vehicle, the 1977 custom-made Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which drove Kate Middleton and her proud father Michael to Westminster Abbey on her wedding day to Prince William. More recently it was used by Charles when he arrived at Buckingham Palace for the first time as our new King. A moment that will be immortalised in history books.

Guided tours

For an insider’s take on the Royal Mews, join a 45-minute guided tour where a warden will bring its history to life, regaling you with behind-the-scenes tales of royal and state occasions. Children won’t get bored here either, as young equestrians can practice tacking up a wooden pony in the State Stables and dress up as a footman in specially created livery. Look out for a free family multimedia tour guided by ‘two horses and a corgi’, which is full of fun facts and videos and aimed at kids aged between seven and 11 years old (Sat-Sun; 11.30am & 1.30pm).

For under-fives, the Little Trekkers activity trail will keep infants occupied exploring the Mews. There are regular arts and craft activities too at Hooves and Horses workshops in the Livery Room (usually every month; 11am-3pm). Finally, the Mews’ Easter Trail (8-10 Apr) includes free coronation-inspired arts and crafts and a lot of chocolate, we’re sure.  Do check the website in advance though for any one-off closures, as the Mews is a working royal stables and will be busy putting everything in place for Charles and Camilla’s big day.

Essential information

Address: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1W 1QH

Nearest station:  London Victoria

Opening times:  10am-5pm, last admission 4pm (to 30 October 2023). The Royal Mews is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please check online for planned closures.

Find out more at www.rct.uk

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The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace – See the Horse Stables & Coronation Gold State Coach

Good for kids? ★ ★ ★ Value for money? ★ ★ ★ Worth a visit? ★ ★ ★

“They say Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is the brave beast is no flatterer, and he will throw a Prince as soon as his groom.” Ben Johnson, playwright

Craig ’s review… The Royal Mews is a working stables attached to the back of Buckingham Palace , with rooms for all the grooms, coachman and chauffeurs who work on the King’s horses, carriages and cars.

Richard II’s original Mews at Charing Cross

Richard II was more interested in his hawks than his horses so that’s why it he called it the Mews ( mews means moulting). He built it at the top end of Whitehall Palace which once stretched all the way from Admiralty Arch past Banqueting House and Downing Street .

When George III bought Buckingham House he started moving the horses over there and when George IV converted it into a palace he transferred all of the coaches as well. The old Mews was then knocked down to make way for Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery .

Windsor Grey & Cleveland Bay horses

After you’ve made your way through security and picked up your headphones you’re straight into the stables and a strong smell of horses. If you’re lucky then you might see a few of them being trotted around the interior quadrangle but most of the time it seems to double up as a staff car park for all the flats and balconies around the top.

The monarch has two types of horses at the Mews: Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays. Windsor Greys get all the plum jobs carrying the King and Queen, Prince and Princesses, and Duke and Duchesses during the big parades .

Cleveland Bays get lumbered with the day-to-day duties and other ceremonial roles. If you don’t mind getting up early then you can usually see a few of them leaving the Mews at 6 AM for their early morning ride around Hyde Park or St. James’s Park .

You might also see them delivering the post between Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace . (This antiquated practice has been going on since at least 1843, and is supposed to help train them in the art of pulling carriages.) If you ever see them carrying a passenger up The Mall then they’ll probably be taking a newly appointed ambassador to the palace to present their credentials to the King.

Just after the stables you can peer into a big window and watch somebody polishing hundreds of buckles and belts with a big bottle of Brasso.

Landau carriages, sledges, sleighs and charabancs

The carriages are kept in the stalls around the quadrangle. Pick of the bunch is the 1902 State Landau, the Glass Coach (which carries Royal brides to their weddings) and Queen Alexandra’s State Coach (which carries the Imperial Crown on State occasions). They’ve also got the Irish State Coach, Scottish State Coach and King Edward VII’s Town Coach.

Also on display are a couple of sleighs, sledges, drags and charabancs, and some miniature kids carriages that are pulled by ponies, goats and dogs.

Obviously you’re not allowed to get close to any of them – you’re just peering in and seeing them from the side, but imagine how much money they could make if they tied a couple of horses to the front and allowed tourists to ride them down The Mall wearing the Crown Jewels . They could charge 20p a go. They’d make a fortune!

Australian Diamond Jubilee State Coach

Australia’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach is the first one that will really knock your socks off. The wooden panels, window frames and handrails are infused with slivers from 100 different locations including a piece of Henry VIII’s flagship the Mary Rose , Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite boat Britannia, Balmoral, Blenheim and Kensington Palace , Canterbury Cathedral , Caernarfon Castle and Windsor, Osborne House, Holyroodhouse and Downing Street , the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , Hampton Court and St. Paul’s .

It even has pieces from a Dambusters Lancaster, a Battle of Britain Spitfire, and a musket ball from Wellington’s Waterloo . And the whole thing is topped off with a crown that was carved from the oak of HMS Victory . It must be the most condensed collection of historical objects in Britain.

The Gold State Coach used on Coronation Day

Then comes the Gold State Coach that’s been used at every coronation since William IV. The late Queen famously complained that it’s a bumpy ride but just look at it… it’s a four-wheel fairytale with painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses, six-foot triton figures towering over the wheels, lions, laurel leaves and cherubims sitting on the roof. And the whole thing has been set dressed with four waxwork horses (eight if it was real life) and riders wearing their white wigs and finery.

Monarch’s State Cars & Horse Riding School

The Royal Mews is also home to the monarch’s motors, including two maroon coloured Bentley limousines, a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, a Phantom VI, and the Queen Mother’s old Daimler Landaulet.

As you exit the building you can peer into the Riding School where the horses are trotted around a dusty parade ground, but it’s really just a quick glimpse through an open door and I’ve never once seen anyone in there.

We also recommend… If you enjoy this then try Household Cavalry Museum (walk it in 18 mins or travel from Victoria to Westminster by tube ) . If you want to see some of the coaches in an actual parade then you’ll have to visit Trooping the Colour or the State Opening of Parliament

Your comments and questions

Susan Have to disagree that it is not 'starred' for children. We took our grandsons aged 12 and 9 there last summer, and they loved it. They listened to the audio guide and didn't want to leave until they had completed it.

Bianca Just call me confused. I think I've been reading too much and trying too hard to design the perfect tour of my lifetime! These questions may seem really simplest and obvious, but are the Royal Mews and Sentry Boxes at the same general location as Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard? Or at least in the same general area? Is it convenient to combine the two on the same day? Or, are they too far apart in time? Is the Yeoman Warder Tour conducted by the Beefeaters? Is that the same as the Tower of London tour? Thanks for your patience and help!

Craig Hi Bianca. Changing the Guard takes place on the red forecourt outside the front of Buckingham Palace. The Royal Mews is a quick 5-min walk around the corner. When you say the sentry boxes I'm guessing you mean the ones outside Horse Guards. They are halfway up Whitehall (opposite Banqueting House), which is about a 10-15 minute walk from Buckingham Palace. The best way is to walk straight up the Mall and then go across the Horse Guards parade ground and through the central arch. You can definitely do all three together. Beefeaters is just another name for the Yeoman Warders - they are exactly the same people.

Bianca Thank you so much for simplifying it all. I am so excited about this trip! It is the one thing I've always wanted to do and it may actually become reality.

Novic Can you just buy tickets for the Royal Mews or do you have to do it with Buckingham Palace as well. My girlfriend only wants to do Royal Mews because she's a rider

Craig Hi Novic. It's a totally separate attraction so you can just do it on its own if you want. You can either buy tickets on the door or book in advance on their website. They offer joint tickets with the palace and Queen's Gallery included called a 'Royal Day Out', but they do Royal Mews tickets on their own as well

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London: Visiting the Royal Stables at Buckingham Palace

Last updated: 06/13/2020

Find out all the information to visit the Royal Stables at Buckingham Palace. This is the place where you can get up close to the most famous carriages of the British royal family, used in events such as weddings, jubilees, funerals and much more!

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham, the building that houses Buckingham Palace was known as Buckingham House, a much simpler townhouse than the one we know today. In 1761, King George III, acquired the property with the aim of being the private residence of Queen Charlotte . During the 19th century, it was expanded and 3 wings were built around a central courtyard, including the famous balcony where the royal family traditionally gathers to greet their subjects.

After Queen Victoria ascending the throne in 1837, Buckingham Palace eventually became the official residence of a monarch . Since then, the tradition has continued with all the kings and queens that followed (Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II). Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms , and the garden is the largest private garden in London. At “State Rooms” , used for official purposes; you royal stables and the Queen's Art Gallery are open to the public every year. See all information in the post " London: How to Visit Buckingham Palace “.

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THE ROYAL STABLES

The Royal Mews are the stables of the British royal family located at Buckingham Palace in London. It is exactly in this place where it is possible to meet the royal carriages. In the past, the royal stables were not located in Buckingham Palace, but in the Charing Cross area, extending to the area where the Leicester Square .

In the 1760s, King George III transferred some of his day-to-day horses and carriages to the grounds of Buckingham House, which he had acquired in 1762 for the use of his wife. However, when your child George IV had Buckingham Palace converted into the main royal residence in the 1820s, the entire stables establishment was moved south of the Buckingham Palace Gardens, where it still stands today. The former Royal Stables at Charing Cross were demolished to build the famous Trafalgar Square , the most central square in London.

THE CURRENT ROYAL STABLES

The current building housing the Royal Stables was built to designs by John Nash. although the works were completed in 1825 , many modifications have been made since then. In 1837, Queen Victoria was the first monarch to consider Buckingham the main residence of the British monarchy, establishing a school in the stables for the children of the families who worked there. Then her husband Prince Albert ordered the construction of a forge and other buildings within the Palace grounds. It was at the Royal Stables Riding School that the Queen's sons learned to ride. In addition to the royal carriages, the site houses official British government horse trainers, chariot drivers and conductors, around 30 horses and some real cars.

WHAT IS THE VISIT TO THE ROYAL STABLES LIKE

Unlike the Palace, which is only open for a few weeks during the year, Stables are available to visit almost all year round , being a good alternative for those who want to know some of the real environments, but do not visit the city when the “State Halls” are open to the public. To enter, for security reasons, you must go through a metal detector and x-ray. take your audio guide (available in Brazilian Portuguese) and follow the numbers indicated to obtain the information of each attraction. Photos are allowed, however, without flash.

On site, the royal carriages used at official events, weddings, the queen's birthday and celebrations . Much of the vehicle collection is on public display, although not all are held in London. Some cars are in regular use, but others are only used on very rare occasions. There are vehicles for a variety of purposes, from personal, recreational and sporting use, as well as those designed and maintained for important occasions.

VISIT HIGHLIGHTS

Among the attractions are historic carriages , such as Queen Alexandra's carriage, the glass carriage, among others.

One of the highlights is the Diamond Jubilee State Coach , a  Amazing Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Carriage (60 years of reign). It was built in Australia, measures 5 meters long, weighs 3 tons and requires 6 horses to pull it. The wood paneling of the carriage's interior is made from objects donated by over 100 historic sites and organizations across Britain! In addition, there are even areas of the stables where videos are shown showing occasions when the carriages were used. It's very interesting because we can identify the ceremony while seeing the carriage up close in front of our eyes!

Furthermore, it is possible to check the presence of official monarchy cars , such as a Royal Royce Phantom VI, Bentley Limousines and other rare vehicles produced between the 1950s and 1970s. They are not all on display at the same time as they may be being used for an event at the time of your visit.

At the end of the tour, the highlight is the Gold State Coach , a  chariot that is used in the coronation ceremony of a new monarch . She is 7 meters long and 3 meters tall and weighs 4 tons! In addition, it is all gold, decorated with beautiful designs! It needs to be pulled by no less than 8 horses!

The carriage was built at the behest of King George III in 1762 and has been in use since King George IV's accession to the throne in 1821. The carriage stands in a prominent location where efforts are made to recreate how it is prepared for coronation ceremonies. . The last time it was used was in 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne.

ROYAL STABLES GIFT SHOP

After visiting the Royal Stables, you can take the opportunity to visit the royal products shop. Virtually everything sold bears the royal family's logo and coat of arms. Books, porcelain, decorative items, key chains, fridge magnets, clothing, cookies, teas, Christmas tree decorations, stationery are some of the items sold. For those looking for something to take as a gift to friends and relatives, they are great options. If you prefer, you can do online shopping and ask to deliver it to the hotel where you are staying.

HOW TO GET TO THE ROYAL STABLES

access by subway It is very easy and it is possible to arrive through 3 stations that are closer:

• Victoria Station: attended by  Victoria Line (light blue), circle line (Yellow), District Line (green)
• Green Park Station: attended by  Victoria Line (light blue), Piccadilly Line (Navy blue), Jubille Line (Grey)
• Hyde Park Corner Station:  attended by  Piccadilly Line  (Navy blue)

BOOK NOW your hotel and save up to 50% . Travelers readers are with a SUPER DISCOUNT ! And the best, with FREE CANCELLATION *!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The royal mews  (the royal stables).

• Address:  Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0QH, England
• February to late March: daily from 10 am to 4 pm
• late March to October: daily from 10 am to 5 pm
• November: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
• Entrance:  £12 – buy online in this link
• Other options: Royal Stables and Changing of the Guard – buy here
• Tours: Between the months of April and October, 45-minute guided tours are offered. During the tour details are given about the historic carriages, modern cars and all the preparation work for state events and official ceremonies. Tours are offered daily at 10:15 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. There are also the  family tours , special tours for families on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 pm also during the months of April to October.

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Read more about British royal residences:

• What to do in London – Complete itinerary of 5 days or more
• London: Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• London: How to Visit Buckingham Palace
• London: Visit to Clarence House, home of Prince Charles
• London: Kensington Palace Tour, Home of William and Kate
• England: What to do in Windsor – Castle and more tips
• England: How to visit Windsor Castle
• England: Hampton Court Palace – the palace of Henry VIII
• Sandringham House: where the British royal family celebrates Christmas
• Holyroodhouse: Official Palace of British Royalty in Scotland

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  hotel reservation :  use the  booking.com to book your accommodation,   car rental : get a quote at  rentcars   and check the price at the main rental companies in the world,   tickets & tours :  buy tickets to the world's top attractions online with get your guide ,   tickets & tours :  buy tickets for tours and guided tours online at civitatis ,   sports events tickets :  buy tickets to major us sporting events online with hellotickets ,   travel insurance :  quote with the  promo insurance  for different plans and destinations. use code "viajonarios5" to guarantee 5% off,   train in europe :  buy your train tickets at the best prices at  trainline ,   international cell phone chip  with the easysim4u  and leave with the chip working  before travelling,   purchase of foreign currency with the best exchange rates with exchange now , related articles more from the author.

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The Londoness

• Royal London

Visiting the Royal Mews

If cars, carriages and horses went to heaven, The Royal Mews is where they would go. Tucked away behind Buckingham Palace, this is the ultimate stable for regal steeds and stately wheels and it reins supreme. And I’m sure Cinderella wouldn’t say neigh to trotting off in a Royal Carriage for her amorous rendez-vous with Prince Charming. For now though, we’ll have to settle with the Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort to see some of these royal carriages on duty.

Royal Mewsings

The word “mews” originates from the French word “muer” or to moult. The royal hawks were originally held in the King’s Mews in Charing Cross (where the National Gallery stands today) whilst their feathers moulted. During Henry VIII’s reign, the original mews was destroyed by fire and rebuilt as royal stables, retaining its original name. The King’s Mews relocated to Buckingham Palace, morphing into the Royal Mews after a design by John Nash for George IV. Today, the Royal Mews is home to the royal collection of coaches, carriages and cars, and it has one of the world’s finest working stables.

Gold State Coach and the Coronation

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach

The coach is also a moving museum of artefacts from 100 of Britain’s historical sites. There’s a lead musket ball from the Battle of Waterloo, fragments of a dress worn by Florence Nightingale, and the crown is made from parts of Nelson’s HMS Victory (with a concealed camera inside). Timber segments from the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, to name a few, can be found in the interior lining, and the two door handles are decorated with 24 Kiwi diamonds and 130 sapphires.

The Glass Coach

The Glass Coach was built in 1881 and was purchased for George V’s coronation in 1911. It has been used to carry the bride-to-be to church (as with Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 and Miss Sarah Ferguson in 1986). It is also used to carry the newlyweds from church after the service (as with Princes Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947).

Cars and Limousines in the Royal Mews

The Royal Mews also houses a mix of State and Non-state Cars. The five State Cars do not have licence plates and include a selection of British-made Rolls Royces and Bentleys. There are eight chauffeurs, but only the Head Chauffeur and the two Deputy heads can drive the King.

The Royal Mews Carriage Horses

The Royal Mews , Buckingham Palace, London, SW1W 1QH. Nearest tube: Victoria

Adult Tickets £15 , and all admission prices include a multimedia tour. Under 5s go free. You can book your tickets here . At the end of your visit, ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1- Year Pass for which you can enjoy free re-admission.

Please note:  The Royal Mews is open until 30 October 2023.

A London arts and culture blog featuring articles about art, theatre, opera, dance, music and design.

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16 comments.

Nancy l MapandFamily

Great girls’ day out Scarlett and you’ve just given me some inspiration for an outing for a friend too! Love that the Jubilee coach has little antique keepsakes built in!

DiaryofaLondoness

It’s a meticulous and delightful piece of design. Thanks Nancy, I hope your friend makes it to the mews with the mostest!

Fiona Sheppard

My son was out in London yesterday and saw what looked like the Golden State Coach on a low loader. Was it the actual state coach being taken to Westminster Abbey for the return procession?

No, the Gold State Coach was taken by horse to Westminster Abbey. It could perhaps have been the Lord Mayor’s State Coach which is quite similar.

Very cute! Have a nice weekend!

What a lovely day out – would love to visit the Royal Mews, the Gold State Coach looks impressive and I am always up for some delicious gelato 🙂

Yo would love it Miriam, and of course, gelato is right up your culinary street!

Shelley Roitman

How a young girl can become a princess in one magical afternoon in London – fun for everyone.

Shelley Goodman

Does Anais realize what a little princess she is exploring the town with The Londoness?

Yes Shelley, she happily hops around with Mummy discovering London’s magical places!

Does Anais realize what a princess-like childhood she has exploring the town with the Londoness?

She is a very lucky girl!

Louise Riis

Oh wow! Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted my own Cinderella carriage…. I guess we are all wanna-be princesses! What a lovely day, you girls had 🙂

I can see you waving from the Glass Coach now Louise!

Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

beautiful carriages! I’ve been to a carriage museum in Vienna, those were fantastic too:)

Oh wow Tanja, that must have been equally majestic! Scarlett x

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TravelAwaits

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How To Visit Buckingham Palace

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• Activities and Interests
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• United Kingdom

“Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been? I’ve been to London to look at the queen!” These are the starting words of a traditional children’s nursery rhyme. And it’s not only nursery-rhyme cats interested in attractions associated with the royal family.

Buckingham Palace , the King’s official London residence and the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy, is one of London’s top 10 attractions according to Visit London . Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard, tour the State Rooms, visit the Royal Mews, see changing art exhibitions, or simply enjoy views of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument from adjoining Green Park .

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of British sovereigns since 1837 when Queen Victoria made it her home. But the property’s Royal Family history goes back to 1761 when George III bought Buckingham House for his wife Queen Charlotte.

Where Is Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace sits at the intersection of The Mall, Constitution Hill, and Spur Road off Birdcage Walk in the City of Westminster in central London. The Palace is surrounded by gardens and green space on three sides. St. James’s Park sits on the east side and Green Park on the north side. Royal gardens run behind the Palace to the west. A number of London tourist attractions, including Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, and Trafalgar Square, lie within a one-mile radius of the palace.

The Wellington Arch , a large stone archway flanked with Corinthian columns and topped with the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, sits at the western end of Constitution Hill at Hyde Park Corner. Originally built as the outer entrance to Buckingham Palace, the arch was moved to its current location in the 1880s. You can purchase tickets to get inside the arch, where rooms over five stories house historical exhibitions and balconies offer views of Buckingham Palace’s back gardens and London’s Royal Parks.

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How To Get To Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace’s central location is easily reached by the Underground, by train, and by coach/bus.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace By Subway

London’s subway system, known as the London Underground or by its nickname, the Tube, is fast and efficient. The nearest Underground stops to Buckingham Palace are Victoria, Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Hyde Park Corner.

It’s roughly an 11-minute walk to Buckingham Palace from Victoria Station, an 8-minute walk from Green Park Station or St. James’s Park Station, and a 12-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner Station.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace By Train

The National Rail System is a passenger train network connecting London with the rest of the country. You might use this system to get to Buckingham Palace if you are coming from outside of the Greater London area serviced by the Underground. London Victoria and Charing Cross Station are the nearest train stations to Buckingham Palace.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace By Coach Or Bus

Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace. Use Transport for London’s Plan a Journey page to determine which bus to take from your starting location.

Buckingham Palace is also a stop on some hop-on, hop-off tourist buses.

Ink Drop / Shutterstock

When Is The Best Time To Visit Buckingham Palace?

If you want to get inside Buckingham Palace, summer is the best time to visit. Although the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors for a few selected dates in winter and spring, the primary touring time is in summer.

Summer also offers the best weather for viewing the Changing of the Guard . Of course, summer is the busiest tourist season and you will be jostling amongst a crowd for the best views. Bundle up or pack a poncho, and you can see the Changing of the Guard throughout the year.

The Royal Mews is open February through November. Guided tours are offered between April and October. The Royal Mews is responsible for all the road travel arrangements for the King and the Royal Family. Inside you’ll find historic carriages, a stable of horses, and livery worn by the King’s horsemen. Note that the Royal Mews are part of a working royal palace and closures sometimes happen at short notice.

The Queen’s Gallery is a public art gallery that features changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection featuring old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts, and photographic images. The Queen’s Gallery is open year-round.

cowardlion / Shutterstock

When Is The Changing Of The Guard?

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony in which the King’s Guards, clad in scarlet uniforms and bearskin caps, hand off responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. The guards are Foot Guards, or highly trained infantry soldiers.

The ceremony, which is free to watch, takes place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Formation of the guards in preparation for the ceremony begins around 10:30 a.m. when the Buckingham Palace Old Guard lines up for inspection, the St. James Old Guard begins its march down The Mall, and the New Guard forms on the parade square at Wellington Barracks. Guards and bands start arriving at Buckingham Palace at 10:45 a.m. The actual handover, when the New Guard enters the forecourt via the North Gate and receives the Palace Keys, occurs at 11 a.m. sharp. This is followed by marches of the Old and New Guards. The ceremony takes approximately 45 minutes. Musical accompaniment is provided by a regimental band or corps of drums.

The Changing of the Guard is popular. It is recommended you arrive before 10:15 a.m. to get a good viewing spot. The Buckingham Palace railings are a good spot with visibility of the entire forecourt ceremony, but you need to arrive very early to situate yourself here.

The elevated position of the steps of the Victoria Monument also provides a reasonable view. Spur Road on the left facing Buckingham Palace is a good place to see the New Guard and Band marching up Birdcage Walk. Remember to “make way for the King’s Guard!” and not stand in the way of the Foot Guards.

Although the Changing of the Guard occurs several times a week, it is not scheduled everyday. Check the Changing of the Guard schedule before you plan your visit.

Royal Collection Trust

How To Tour The Inside of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 240 Royal, guest, and staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, and 19 State rooms. The State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace are open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring. The King’s private living spaces are not open to the public.

The State Rooms are the public rooms in the palace where the King and members of the Royal Family receive and entertain guests on ceremonial and official occasions. Rooms you will tour after entering via the opulent, red-carpeted Grand Staircase include the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Picture Gallery.

Each year the Royal Collection Trust , the organization that manages public openings of the official residences of His Majesty the King, curates a special exhibit for the summer opening at Buckingham Palace. In 2019, Queen Victoria’s Palace held an exhibition to honor the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth, telling the story of how the young queen transformed Buckingham Palace from a private house into a working royal residence.

You need to purchase tickets for the State Rooms tour in advance. Tickets can be booked online. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your entry time. You will go through airport-style security. Complimentary multimedia guides are provided. Photographs are not allowed. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair bit of walking involved. The Royal Collection Trust recommends you allow up to 2 hours and 30 minutes for your State Rooms tour. One of the available ticketing options allows you to add a 45-minute guided tour of Buckingham Palace Gardens to your State Rooms visit.

Can I See The King At Buckingham Palace?

The nursery-rhyme cat may have had a look at the queen, but you are unlikely to see the now King when you visit Buckingham Palace. State Room tours are scheduled when the King is not in residence. When the King is at home at Buckingham Palace, you’ll see his flag, the Royal Standard, flying from the flagpole on top of the palace.

If your visit to London coincides with a Royal Wedding or a special event of national significance, you may be able to get a glimpse of the King on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where he and Royal Family members gather to wave to crowds below.

Your best bet for getting a look at the King may actually be away from Buckingham Palace at one of the functions he attends. The Royal Diary on the Royal Family website contains a list of engagements to be attended by His Royal Majesty and other Royal Family members.

Two annual events offer opportunities to see the King. For the State Opening of Parliament in May, the King travels from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in a State coach escorted by the Household Cavalry.

Headed to the UK? Here’s why Oxford is well worth visiting on your next trip to England .

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Donna Janke is a writer based in Canada out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She shares her travel discoveries on her blog, Destinations Detours and Dreams , using a combination of narrative, photography, and personal reflection, all with an eye for detail. Her interest in travel started as a child when books transported her around the world, and grew as she explored the world in person. Her life as a travel writer began after she retired from a professional career in IT. Donna loves discovering the unique character of places, near and far, and writing to inspire others in their travels. Her travel stories have been published in several outlets, and tend to focus on culture, history, nature, art, architecture, and food.

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The Royal Mews Tickets

If you're interested in seeing the finest working stables used by the Royal Family in London, this post covers everything you need to know about visiting the Royal Mews.

In addition to details about ticket prices, we'll also cover opening hours, best times to visit, and what you can expect to see while you're here.

How to Get Here

• Tickets & Deals
• Best Time to Visit
• Opening Hours

Royal Mews Highlights

• Buckingham Palace Tours
• Tips and Tricks

The Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace is the stable and carriage house of the British royal family.

It houses carriages, coaches, and horses used for royal events and ceremonies. Visitors can tour the facility to see historic carriages and learn about royal transportation traditions.

The Mews also plays a role in state occasions, providing transportation for important events such as coronations and weddings.

The Royal Mews are located just south of the Queen's Gallery and the State Rooms on Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0QH, United Kingdom .

There are a few different ways to get here, but the best options are via public transportation.

By Underground

You'll find the closest tube stop is Victoria Station, which is about a 10 minute walk from the Royal Mews. Although they're a bit further out, you might also consider hopping off the tube at Green Park, St. James' Park, or Hyde Park.

As with the tube, the closest stop is Victoria Station. The second closest station is Charing Cross, but that's a 20 minute walk away.

Coach lines 11, 211, C1, and C10 stop on Buckingham Road, just down the street from the Royal Mews, and closer than any other public transportation.

Royal Mews Admission Tickets

The  Royal Mews  is a group of working stables which is part of a working Royal Palace, housing the Royal Family’s horses and royal carriages.

On display in the Mews is an array of beautiful state coaches and carriages, some of which are still actively used by members of the Royal Family on special occasions.

Visitors can expect to see a royal collection of historic coaches that were previously used by figures as well-known and beloved as Queen Victoria, King George IV, Queen Elizabeth II, and even King George III.

Some coaches/carriages are still used for special events such as Coronations, State Visits, the State Opening of Parliament, Royal Weddings, and other important occasions.

• £11/Youth (18-24)
• £8.50/Children | Under 5 FREE
• More information or to book a ticket . 

Royal Mews Deals

• A Royal Mews tour is included for free with the  London Pass .
• Families (up to 2 adults and 4 children) can save up to £12 when booking directly through the Royal Collection Trust.
• There is also a Royal Day Out  combination ticket  that includes the Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and the State Rooms.
• Disabled visitors are eligible for a concessionary rate of £8.50.
• Group rates apply when purchasing tickets for 15 or more people.
• Each Royal Mews ticket is valid for 1-year as lond as you ask to make your ticket purchase a donation.

Royal Mews Best Time to Visit

You’ll also want to consider either an early or a late trip to the Royal Mews.

This location gets pretty popular between  12 pm - 2 pm , so we recommend planning your visit for either morning or mid-afternoon.

If you plan on seeing both of these attractions, consider heading there at  3 pm and  going to the Queen’s Gallery afterward at  4 pm .

Between April and October, guided tours are offered throughout the day.

Royal Mews Opening Times

In 2024, the Mews are open from the 1st of March until the 3rd of November.

• Open: Thursday - Monday | 10:00 am - 17:00 (5 pm)
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

NOTE: Since this attraction has separate tickets from the State Rooms and the Queen's Gallery, you can visit the Royal Mews even if you haven't paid for admission to other attractions on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

One of the best highlights from their carriage collection is the magnificent Gold State Coach built for George III in 1762. It is so heavy it takes eight horses to pull it.

The Gold State Coach has been the carriage of choice for every coronation since 1822, and it was also used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.

They also have the Diamond Jubilee State Coach on display, which was built for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee and used during the Coronation of King Charles III.

You'll also have the opportunity to see the horses owned by the British Monarchy, including both the Windsor Greys who draw their carriages and Cleveland Bays used for ambassadors and other guests of importance.

If horses and carriages don’t do much for you, maybe the collection of road transport including Rolls Royce limousines , Bentleys and Jaguars will get your motor running!

Kids will enjoy the opportunity to get a picture atop a replica Semi-State Landau carriage or a Wooden Pony .

There's also a selection of specially-created Livery worn by the horses and their drivers while leading the carriage.

A visit includes a free 45-minute guided tour covering the history of the Mews, though you may spend more time in the Mews if you would like.

They also offer a complimentary multimedia guide as an alternative, and this multimedia tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

There are alternatives for hard of hearing visitors as well, and an audio-descriptive guide for the visually impaired.

Royal Mews Helpful Information

The Royal Mews is an active stable, not merely an exhibit. Security is quite strict – expect an “airport-style” screening. 

There is no cloakroom at the Mews. For more information on prohibited items, read our  security section .

Food and drinks are not permitted. There is no food or drink available for purchase in the Mews though you can purchase water at the Mews gift shop.

Bathrooms/Toilets are available only at the end of the tour. There are also changing spaces and baby-care facilities for guests with young children.

TIP:  A Royal Mews tour is included for free with the  London Pass .

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Visiting Buckingham Palace: 10 Best Things to See & Do

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When you think of Britain, and in particular England, many images will pop into your head. For visitors to London from across the globe, royalty is often the first thing they think of when planning their England travel itinerary. And nothing says "Royal Family" quite as loudly a visit to Buckingham Palace.

The official London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837, Buckingham Palace was originally built for the Duke of Buckingham, and was purchased by George III in 1762. Known affectionately to Londoners as "Buck House," it was later enlarged by George IV's court architect, John Nash, in 1825.

The east wing was added in 1846, and in 1913, when George V was king, the east front was given its present Neoclassical look.

To this day, when the sovereign is in residence, the Royal Standard flies over the palace, and units of the Guards Division, dressed in full uniform, mount a guard. On special occasions, such as those usually spectacular royal weddings, the sovereign appears with members of the Royal Family on the central balcony for a friendly wave and a dose of adulation from the crowds.

Tourists today are able to visit Buckingham palace and explore many areas of the palace complex, including areas that were once considered for "royal eyes" and their staff only. From sumptuously furnished state rooms to wonderful works of art, the public now has greater access to Buckingham Palace than at any other time in history.

To help you make the most of your visit to this royal household, be sure to read through our list of the top things to see and do in Buckingham Palace and its vicinity.

1. Experience the Colorful Pageantry of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

2. visit the royal state rooms, 3. explore the royal mews, 4. view the rare artworks at the queen's gallery, 5. take a tour of clarence house, 6. take a stroll through green park, 7. the garden at buckingham palace, 8. explore the household cavalry museum, 9. the victoria monument, 10. visit the guards museum, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to buckingham palace.

The historic Changing of the Queen's Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been a treasured London tradition since 1660. Otherwise known as "Guard mounting," this must-see spectacle begins when a troop of the Queen's Life Guard rides from their Hyde Park Barracks and past Buckingham Palace to change the guard at Horse Guards.

This must-see display of pageantry is widely regarded as one of the top free things to do in London. Consequently, things do get very crowded around Buckingham Palace as pedestrians make their way through Green Park and crowd the sidewalks around Memorial Gardens and the Victoria Monument. So try to arrive a little early to ensure a good view of the ceremony.

This colorful spectacle starts daily at 11:30am from April to July, and on alternate days thereafter. While the ceremony lasts approximately 40 minutes, you can drag the excitement out a little longer and follow the "relieved" guards as they march smartly back to their barracks.

Official Site: https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace

For eight weeks in the summer of 1993, Buckingham Palace's State Rooms were opened to the public for the very first time. The proceeds of this landmark event were devoted to the restoration of Windsor Castle , parts of which were severely damaged by a tragic fire the previous year.

Following the success of the venture, the State Rooms are now part of a superb tour that features many excellent pieces from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculptures by Canova, as well as rare porcelain and fine period furniture. Your tour also includes a look inside the Throne Room, the Music Room, the Picture Gallery, and the spectacular White Drawing Room.

The popular tours do book early, and are limited to the 10 weeks each summer between July and October that the Queen is away in Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands .

Official site: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace/plan-your-visit

In the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, you can see a fascinating array of state coaches and carriages. Some are still used by British monarchs on special occasions, such as weddings and funerals.

The most impressive of the coaches on display is the elaborate Gold State Coach . Built for George III in 1762, it has been used for every coronation since 1821. This spectacular Royal carriage is so heavy that it takes eight horses to pull it. The horses, including the famous Windsor Greys, are also stabled in the Mews.

Other items in the collection are the Australian State Coach, a gift from the people of Australia in 1988 and which the monarch drives to the state opening of Parliament; and the Glass Coach, acquired by George V in 1910 and used principally for royal weddings. A number of Rolls Royce limousines , including an extremely rare Phantom VI, along with models from Bentley and Jaguar, are also on display.

Between May and October, interesting free 45-minute guided tours are included with admission to the Royal Mews, led hourly by Wardens in their navy and red livery. These interesting tours explain the responsibilities of the mews staff and describe how royal travel is arranged for special events. Other fun things to do include dressing up and sitting in one of the royal carriages.

Be sure to check the Royal Mews's official website for details of closures or any carriages, such as the Gold State Coach, being in use elsewhere.

Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London, England

Official site: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/royalmews

The Queen's Gallery is an excellent public art gallery that occupies part of the west front of Buckingham Palace. It houses varying exhibitions of up to 450 works from the extensive Royal Collection at any given time.

Located on the site of a former chapel, the gallery has been extensively restored and expanded and is a superb place to view some of Britain's most important royal art collections. Free multimedia tours are available. A great shop is also located on the premises.

Address: Buckingham Palace, London, England

Official site: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace

The official London residence of the Prince of Wales, the superbly renovated Clarence House, just behind the Palace, has been opened to the public for tours only during the month of August. These interesting tours last an hour, and you'll see the formal gardens and five ground-floor rooms used by the Prince for official engagements: The Lancaster Room, The Morning Room, The Library, The Dining Room, and The Garden Room.

Designed. by John Nash, the building was completed in 1827 and today houses much of the Queen's art collection , including paintings by 20th-century artists such as John Piper, Graham Sutherland, and Augustus John. The house also displays some of her porcelain and silver collection. A souvenir and gift shop is located on-site.

Official site: www.royal.uk/royal-residences-clarence-house

Located directly across from Buckingham Palace, Green Park was once part of the palace gardens and was a favorite retreat of Charles II. The park remained enclosed and restricted for Royal use until the 1700s, and was landscaped extensively in the 1800s.

Today, the 40-acre park, the smallest of Britain's Royal Parks, is only separated from the palace by a roadway and offers excellent views of the royal residence. Unlike most Royal Parks, it largely consists of woods and meadows, with notable features including Canada Gate, facing Buckingham Palace, and memorials, including the recently added Bomber Command Memorial.

While there are no flowerbeds, the park offers up an amazing display of daffodils each spring, when some one million bulbs blossom.

Official site: www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park

More than 350 varieties of wildflowers and 200 tree varieties grow in the 39 acres of gardens behind Buckingham Palace. These surround a three-acre lake on whose shore Queen Elizabeth and her sister played as children.

Today, the Queen holds her famous Garden Parties on the lawns and stately promenades. Top attractions on a tour of the gardens are the beautiful floral border, the Rose Garden, the wildflower meadow, the Summer House, the giant Waterloo Vase, and the tennis courts where King George VI played.

Be aware, however, that these popular tours do sell out quickly, and are held only on select days between July and September. For a special treat, bring a picnic for you and your family to enjoy on the lawns of Buckingham Palace Gardens.

Official site: www.rct.uk/event/the-garden-at-buckingham-palace

The Household Cavalry Museum explores the colorful history of the British Army's senior regiment from its creation in 1661. Along with displays of uniforms, standards, elegant horse fittings, awards, and musical instruments are audio-visuals and hands-on exhibits that will appeal to children.

Popular things to do include trying on real guards' helmets and regalia, and you can also watch through a glass wall as the guards prepare their horses in the stables. It's also possible to go outside to see the daily Guard Change at 10:50am (9:50 Sunday); the Guard Inspection at 4pm; or mounted sentry changes on the hour, from 10am to 4pm daily.

A well-stocked souvenir and gift shop is located on the premises.

Address: Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, England

Official site: www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk/

Directly in front of Buckingham Palace is the large memorial to Queen Victoria. Designed by Sir Aston Webb, with sculpture by Sir Thomas Brock, it portrays the former queen surrounded by the allegorical figures of Victory, Endurance, Courage, Truth, Justice, Science, Art, and Agriculture.

Recently renovated, it offers up one of London's most popular photo settings, especially when framed with Buckingham Palace in the background.

This interesting museum presents the history of the five regiments of Foot Guards and includes uniforms, weapons, and memorabilia from more than 300 years. Other interesting displays include a chronology of the regimental uniforms. as well as artwork, weapons, and models.

Miniature and military collectors should visit the shop, The Guards Toy Soldier Centre , on the right as you enter through the main gates off Birdcage Walk. Guided tours and walks are available.

Address: Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London

Official site: www.theguardsmuseum.com

• Tours of Buckingham Palace: You can combine a visit to the State Rooms with a guided walk through St. James Park and a prime view of the royal guards on a Buckingham Palace Tour Including Changing of the Guard Ceremony . The 2.5-hour tour includes an audio guide to the State Rooms. For an even more iconic London experience, the four-hour Buckingham Palace Tour Including Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Afternoon Tea finishes with an elegantly served traditional afternoon tea at a posh London hotel.
• The Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews Tickets: Both are on a timed-ticket system, so purchase tickets first, then explore the parks and monuments while waiting. Be sure to have a staff member stamp your ticket for re-entry - it's good for a year, so you can break up your visits.
• Kids: Activity bags are available free of charge, so be sure to ask for one when collecting your tickets. A kids' drawing and coloring room is available in the State Rooms.
• Security: Expect airport-style security checks, and large bags and backpacks must be left in the cloakroom provided.
• Getting to Buckingham Palace: The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner.

Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London

Official site: www.royal.uk

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See the Royal Carriages behind Buckingham Palace

Xsee the royal carriages behind buckingham palace.

Hidden behind a rather small easy to ignore door in a high imposing wall next to Buckingham Palace can be found a large collection of regal bling.

This is in fact the Royal Mews , where the horses and carriages are kept in store for when they are needed to provide a bit of pomp and ceremony — which is surprisingly often.

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace evolved from the King’s Mews, which were originally just to the north of Trafalgar Square and were originally to house royal hawks. The name ‘mews’ derives from the word ‘mew’, meaning moulting, as the birds were confined there at moulting time. The building was destroyed by fire in 1534 and rebuilt as stables, but they kept the name, so stables are now known as mews, even though the hawks have long since flown the nest.

The current Royal Mews is however at the back of Buckingham Palace, behind that high stone wall that surrounds the palace’s back gardens. Today the horseless carriage does most of the work, so there are rather fewer horses in the mews, so it’s open to the public to go in and have a look.

Some of the former stables now house the State Carriages that are dragged out for regal events, each in their own box with a display board explaining their heritage.

Most of the carriages here are of the landau type, either a State Landau or Semi-State Landau. The difference being that the semi-versions are driven by a rider on the horses, rather than on a box on the carriage itself.

Despite their seemingly reduced bling, the semi-state carriages are preferred for regal duties as the occupant of the carriage is easier to see if the driver isn’t in the way.

In another stable though is the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, a modern carriage that was intended for the Queen’s 80th birthday, but ended up being delivered late and wasn’t delivered until the Diamond Jubilee.

It’s favoured by the Queen, because unlike most, this one comes with decent suspension. It’s also a living vessel of British heritage, with the wood coming from a range of sources, such as a piece of HMS Victory and numerous cathedrals. A chuck of the Stone of Scone is under the seat in a “time capsule” with copies of the Magna Carta and Domesday Book.

Elsewhere there’s one carriage that is only used on exceptionally rare occasions, the Gold State Coach.

Commissioned for the Coronation of King George III, it was late, so he didn’t get his bling-tastic journey to Westminster Abbey, but it has been used for every Coronation since.

It’s not used often in part because it is horrific to ride in, being akin to being in a ship on stormy seas. The sight of the monarch staggering out and being sea sick being something to be avoided.

It’s also a pain to get out of the room it’s currently stored in, taking around 2 days and needing the dismantling of the side wall which hides the double doors it can pass through.

Elsewhere are the horses, and their training grounds. Most carriages are pulled by Cleveland Bays, but the monarch’s coaches are always pulled by Windsor Grey horses, and with one exception anyone else who wants to use those horses has to ask The Queen for permission first.

The only other person allowed to borrow the Queen’s horses without permission is Father Christmas, who has his own sleigh in the stables and visits annually to hand out presents to the staff.

Although we think of the carriages as being used by the Royal Family on ceremonial occasions, they are out and about the streets quite regularly, as foreign ambassadors presenting their credentials to The Queen are brought to the Palace in one of the coaches.

It’s quite a nice treat for the Ambassador, and with a lot of countries to deal with, there’s a steady stream of visitors throughout the year needing to borrow a coach for the visit.

The Royal Mews is open most days , except when there’s a big ceremonial event taking place. Entry is £10, which also gets you unlimited visits for a year.

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Royal Family latest after Kate cancer diagnosis revealed

We'll bring you any major developments on the Royal Family on this page over the coming weeks after Kate, the Princess of Wales, revealed her cancer diagnosis.

Thursday 28 March 2024 13:36, UK

• Princess of Wales
• Royal Family

• Kate reveals cancer diagnosis
• World leaders send messages of support for Kate
• Kate's public message about health 'almost unprecedented'
• Celebrities deleting posts after princess reveals 'sobering truth' | Blake Lively sorry for 'silly post'
• 'Unbelievably upsetting': Public react in Windsor
• Explainer : What is preventative chemotherapy and when is it used?
• Rhiannon Mills analysis : This is not a knee-jerk reaction to media coverage
• Thomas Moore analysis : Chemo can be brutal - but outlook is better than ever

The King has said he is continuing to serve the nation with "my whole heart" in a personal Easter message in the wake of his and the Princess of Wales's cancer diagnoses.

The pre-recorded audio was broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday ahead of the Easter weekend.

The King, who announced in February he was undergoing cancer treatment, talked of his "special prayer" this Easter and expressed his "great sadness" of being unable to attend.

The monarch - who has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment - was pictured sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace's 18th Century Room as he recorded his message.

The Queen says the Princess of Wales "will be thrilled" after receiving posters from well-wishers on a walkabout in Shrewsbury.

The royal made the comments on a visit to a farmers' market as she met two young girls who made signs for  Kate  following her cancer announcement.

After being handed the signs, the  Queen  was heard saying: "I shall send this off to Catherine. She will be thrilled."

To the second young girl, she says: "And your one? There we are. I know she'll be very thrilled. [I'll] make sure she knows it comes from you. Thank you very, very much".

The King will attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Easter Sunday, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family will also attend.

In February, he was pictured attending church in Sandringham but it had not been confirmed until now that he would attend the Easter service in Windsor.

The Duchess of York has said she is "full of admiration" for the Princess of Wales after the future queen announced she is being treated for cancer, adding: "I hope she will now be given the time, space and privacy to heal."

Sarah Ferguson, who was married to Prince Andrew and had daughters Beatrice and Eugenie with him, has made the remarks after Kate revealed her diagnosis in a video message to the nation on Friday.

The Macmillan Cancer Support charity has since revealed traffic to its online information and support pages were the highest seen on a weekend since the first COVID-19 lockdown.

The Duchess of York, who revealed in January she had been diagnosed with skin cancer, has posted on social media: "All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment.

"I know she will be surrounded by the love of her family and everyone is praying for the best outcome.

"As someone who has faced their own battles with cancer in recent months, I am full of admiration for the way she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis and know it will do a tremendous amount of good to raise awareness."

Kate revealed in her video statement on Friday that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

You can read more on this story here ... 

We will be back with more updates tomorrow. In the meantime, you can scroll back to read today's coverage. 

By Rhiannon Mills, royal correspondent

As a family they've been used to having to step into the spotlight. This is a moment when all the Princess of Wales wants to do is protect her children from it. 

As the world processes the news of her cancer diagnosis, her message about the importance of family couldn't have been stronger. And is why we're all being asked to stop speculating about where they now are and leave them alone.

It can't have been easy for her to record it but the more you watch her message and other parts stand out, showing a different, more self assured side of Kate - who usually loathes public speaking. 

Talking directly to others with cancer, she says: "Everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

There is a strength and poignancy to that final phrase that draws comparison with Queen Elizabeth II's rallying words to the nation during COVID, where she said "We'll meet again".

From this future Queen there is no sense of resentment after what must have been a gruelling few weeks. Since her announcement, the social media speculation of #kategate has been replaced by an outpouring of love and sympathy.

With messages from around the globe from some of the world's most famous and influential individuals, this is an acknowledgement of her incredible international status and how highly respected she is.

Throughout her surgery, diagnosis and further treatment, Prince William has been by Kate's side. And his wife is clearly in his thoughts as he's tried to keep going with his public engagements, regularly talking about her whether it was at a homelessness event in Sheffield or decorating biscuits at a youth club in London. 

Going solo is something he's going to have to get used to for some time to come, with no clear idea of when we'll see the princess back on royal duties. 

Tessy Ojo was with William for the Diana Award event less than a couple of weeks ago. The charity's chief executive, she's known him for the past 24 years and says his resilience is remarkable. 

"I suppose we, with the benefit of hindsight, now knowing what was going on, it's huge, you know. It gives you a sense of how much they continue to honour service, what it means to them," she says. 

"How he shows up, how they show up, despite all of the stuff that's happening.

She added: "I cannot emphasise enough how much we need to take a step back and allow this family to recover in peace."

He may be heir to the throne but like any partner trying to help their loved one through something like this, he will no doubt feel slightly helpless. A lot of what lies ahead is in the hands of the doctors, but from what I understand he does feel what he can do is really double down on his deep desire to protect his family's privacy.

It is Kate's response and her decision to tell us herself that has been particularly striking. She is a devoted mother, wanting to do the best for her family, and her inner strength is really coming to the fore.

The King is hoping to make an appearance at the traditional Easter Matins service next weekend, according to The Telegraph. 

A Buckingham Palace source told the paper he would attend the annual service at St George's Chapel in Windsor if his health allows. 

The monarch stepped back from public duties following his cancer diagnosis. 

It's thought he was given medical advice to avoid the risks associated with large crowds. 

"The King and Queen are hoping to attend some form of Easter service in Windsor," a palace source reportedly said. 

"However, it will not be the large family gathering that we might expect to see in different circumstances."

By Jason Farrell, home editor

At Windsor this morning crowds lined the streets to watch the Irish Guards pipe and drum their way into the castle grounds to change duties with the Welsh guards. It was business as usual. The palace says constitutionally the same is true for the senior royals, even if there is a temporary changing of the guard.

The King is still holding audiences with dignitaries, but he has stepped back from public facing engagements and there is a sense of frailty in the royal household.

Former press secretary to the late Queen, Ailsa Anderson, says: "This is not a crisis, it's a bump in the road."

But she added: "It's very, very difficult obviously, and unsettling, because this is an institution based on stability and continuity, and you have two key players who are going to be out of action for some time."

The late Queen had to step up her duties when her father got cancer in the late 1940s. The disease accelerated her accession to the throne when he died aged just 56.

Queen Elizabeth II famously said: "I need to be seen to be believed."

How true that was of the Princess of Wales - whose disappearance from the public eye sparked a frenzy of conspiracy theories. Although she's addressed those with her sobering reality, she won't be back in the public gaze until medics say she's fit to go.

For now, she can expect public curiosity has been replaced with sympathy but clearly there is a lot on Prince William's shoulders.

He will want to spend as much time as possible with Kate and his three children, and will be with them at least for the Easter break. But with his brother abroad and to some degree estranged, and his uncle Prince Andrew relieved of duties, there's a dwindling pool of royal big-hitters available to hold the fort.

Constitutional expert Craig Prescott said: "There has been a sliming down. There has been more emphasis on a small number of royals. So when two are out of action that is perhaps a bigger issue."

Queen Camilla has become a key player. She delivered a speech written by the King on his behalf, on the Isle of Man this week, and next week she'll play his role at the Maunday Easter service in Worcester; a key royal fixture.

The remaining support team, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are likely to have more focus on them too. Even Prince Andrew was leading the family at a recent memorial service in Windsor when William needed to be with Catherine.

This isn't quite a crisis, but it is a test of resilience for the royals. They hope this is only a temporary situation, but what we've learned in recent weeks is that while they crave privacy in illness, the public craves information. Finding that balance is just one of many challenges ahead.

News of the Princess of Wales's cancer treatment came after weeks of speculation about her whereabouts. In her video message yesterday, she explained she had been taking the time to explain her diagnosis to her children.

If you're going through something similar, Macmillan Cancer Support offers this advice on how to talk to children about it... 

The charity says while it can feel like telling your children will "bring home the reality of the situation", not explaining what is happening to them "may make them feel more vulnerable". 

"Children often know when something serious is affecting the family and people they are close to. It is important to give them the chance to talk openly about their fears and worries," it said. 

The benefits of letting them know can also include showing you trust them, helping you all to feel closer, and helping them cope better with difficult situations in life. 

Macmillan says you will likely need time to cope with your own feelings first, so it can be helpful to speak to a nurse specialist, psychologist or counsellor.

When you are going to have the talk, it says to be as prepared as you can and make sure you have all the information you need. 

"You may want to think about the questions a child might ask and the words you will use to explain things," it says.

Macmillan also encourages to think about where you will have the conversation - it should be somewhere your children are able to express their feelings. 

"If you have more than one child, it is best to tell them together if you can," it says. 

"This prevents them feeling like their siblings know more than them. If you are telling them separately, do it as close together as possible. Some children may wonder why they were told last."

It also advises to avoid only telling the older children as this can place a burden on them. 

As a parent, you will likely know best how to approach and talk to your child, but it can be helpful to think about these things:

• See the first conversation as a starting point – it is the beginning of an ongoing process of gradually giving your children small, relevant pieces of information and reassurance.
• Allow the conversation to be directed by your children’s reactions and the questions they ask.
• Listen and keep it as open as you can.
• Try asking questions that encourage them to express what they are thinking, rather than a one word or two-word reply.

Macmillan says it is better to be honest and not to make things sound less serious than they are. 

It is also fine to say if you don't know the answer to all of their questions. 

Our correspondent Rachael Venables is in Windsor, which she describes as being a "beacon for royal watchers".

Although it's expected Windsor would have had a high level of support for the Princess of Wales, she says it has been "staggering" to see the amount of empathy for Kate. 

Venables says she's heard well-wishes for the princess from "every single person I have spoken to", some of whom had gathered for the Changing of the Guard but others who came holding bunches of flowers for Kate. 

Many say it has been a "real shame" how she was treated online. 

Fellow mothers have commented on how they can understand the difficulty of explaining her cancer diagnosis to her children, Venables says.

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Behind the scenes of Queen Elizabeth's last ever Buckingham Palace balcony appearance: Royal experts reveal how the moment was planned - and King Charles' touching reason for encouraging his mother to take part

• Channel 5 looked at the Queen's last Buckingham Palace balcony appearance
• READ MORE:  King Charles is determined to bravely attend this June's Trooping The Colour despite his ongoing cancer battle

The late Queen's final Buckingham Palace balcony appearance demonstrated the monarch's commitment to duty above all else, royal experts have said - and showed a sweet insight into her relationship with her son.

Speaking on Channel 5 's Secrets of the Royal Palaces, broadcaster and historian Wesley Kerr said that Elizabeth II - who made one last surprise show for adoring crowds on the final day of Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 - wanted to be there for her supporters.

And he stressed that the royal - who had not been feeling well - wanted to keep that side of her away from wellwishers. 

'She wanted us to see her as the Queen,' he told the programme, which airs on Saturday at 8:35pm. 'Trooping had been quite difficult and she stayed in the palace for some hours after trooping which surprised me on the day.'

After joining her family on the balcony to witness a spectacular RAF fly-past on Thursday June 2, she was unable to attend a thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral the following day after suffering discomfort.

The Queen was a no-show on the Saturday at the Epsom Derby and also did not attend that evening's Party at the Palace - although her recorded sketch with Paddington Bear stole the show.

Instead, it was decided she would be taken to Windsor where she could focus on resting up. 

'There was a profound underlying condition which was well advanced by then, and it was extremely difficult for her to make it,' Wesley explained.

However - as revealed in the book Our King by Robert Jobson - with the Queen's agreement, arrangements were put in place for her to fly by helicopter from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace and for her to use a wheelchair, although a meticulously orchestrated plan was put in place to ensure that she was not seen using it in public.

'The crowd didn't know any of this,' royal writer Emily Andrews said. 'They didn't know she was ill, they didn't know she was suffering in pain and they didn't understand why the Queen wasn't there.'

Wesley added: 'It was only when Charles rang up from the royal box and said, mummy, you know, there's vast numbers of people here, there's a wonderful atmosphere, is there any chance that you could make it?'

The Mall erupted in fervour and excitement after Elizabeth made her unexpected appearance at the Palace.

'Queen Elizabeth had been appearing on that balcony since the late 1920s as the king's granddaughter,' Wesley added.

'Little did we know this was the last time we were ever to see her on that famous balcony. A huge moment.' 

'When the queen stepped out on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, looking absolutely resplendent in that green outfit, the crowds goes absolutely wild,' Afua Acheampong-Hagan, broadcaster and royal correspondent, said. 

'The pinnacle of the Platinum Jubilee was seeing the Queen on that balcony and you could see the emotion written all over her face.

'I think she was so very very glad that she managed to see her people, if you will, one last time.'

'She felt it was her duty to come to London, to acknowledge the crowds,' Emily added.

'But it wasn't just about duty, it was about Charles wanting the queen to see how much she was loved.

'She always put duty above personal pain, above family, above personal sacrifice. Duty always comes first.'

Pictures of an obviously delighted Queen walking gingerly out onto the balcony before waving to the jubilant crowd are among Platinum Jubilee's most iconic images.

She later issued a moving letter to the nation in which she declared: 'My heart has been with you all.'

Her attendance at the triumphant finale of four days of festivities had, however, hung in the balance for days.

The Mail on Sunday revealed in March 2022 how Queen Elizabeth had made it clear that her presence at events of personal significance, such as the Commonwealth and Cenotaph services, should not come at any cost.

Meanwhile, the King is determined to attend this year's Trooping the Colour, his official birthday celebrations, if his health allows it.

Aides are already exploring ways that Charles might be able to take part within the constraints of his ongoing cancer treatment.

This could include watching the military spectacular from a podium instead of on horseback as usual, having been driven from Buckingham Palace in a carriage as his late mother used to.

No firm decision will be taken until nearer the time, given the nature of His Majesty's condition, and it will be dependant on medical advice.

The event is due to be held in London  on Saturday, June 15. But the Mail understands that planning for the occasion is moving ahead as scheduled, giving cause for optimism.

'There are a number of key events His Majesty would love to attend coming up in the diary and this is at the top of the list,' a source said.

Dating from the 17th century, Trooping the Colour is one the biggest military ceremonial events of the year, involving more than 1,200 soldiers and musicians plus more than 200 horses.

Usually the monarch rides down from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade via The Mall to inspect the troops.

The sovereign then rides back to the palace for the traditional balcony appearance with the wider Royal Family and flypast by the RAF.

As it stands, His Majesty has been advised by doctors not to attend events with large public gatherings after being diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in January.

He is currently undergoing outpatient treatment in London although he is continuing to work hard behind the scenes on state matters and makes a point of being seen in public or on camera whenever possible.

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King Charles III  is sharing his support for his daughter-in-law. After  Kate Middleton  revealed on Friday that  she has been diagnosed with cancer , a Buckingham Palace spokesperson is sharing how the Princess of Wales' father-in-law feels about the announcement.

Charles is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did," the spokesperson tells ET. Following their time in hospital together, Charles has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks, and both royals "will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time."

On Jan. 17, the palace announced that Kate, 42, had been admitted the day before to The London Clinic  for surgery . According to the palace, "the surgery was successful." She was set to spend the next 10 to 14 days in the hospital "before returning home to continue her recovery."

The same day, the palace later announced that the 75-year-old monarch would be hospitalized the week after Kate for  a corrective procedure . 

"In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the palace's statement read. "His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

The palace added that the king wished to share the news of his diagnosis in order to encourage men experiencing symptoms to get checked. 

In the days and weeks that followed, Brits and those around the world sent the royal figures their well-wishes. On Jan. 29, His Majesty was released from The London Clinic, as was Kate. The palace announced that Kate would not be returning to official royal duties until after Easter, which takes place on March 31 this year.

On Feb. 5, the palace announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, although the palace has not clarified what kind of cancer Charles has or what stage. 

In the wake of his diagnosis, Prince William took over many of his father's official duties as Charles'  duties were scaled back for cancer treatment . Prince Harry also  made a 24-hour visit to see his dad .

A month later, Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a  video statement shared by Buckingham Palace . Although the mother of three did not reveal what kind of cancer she's battling, she shared that she's currently undergoing "preventative chemotherapy" and is "now in the early stages of that treatment."

Kate said the news of the cancer diagnosis came as a "huge shock" to the royal family. She explained that she and William endeavored to manage the situation privately for the sake of their young children -- Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. 

Following the devastating news, a source told ET that Kate filmed the video on March 20, and she started receiving cancer treatment shortly after her surgery in January. 

William and Kate struggled to tell their children , the source explained, because they wanted to shield them as much as possible. "Children process information in different ways. Their primary concern was to be able to explain this to the children in a way that was reassuring, and they could process," the source said.

Despite all the erroneous speculation on social media, the source said that William has been at Kate's side and that his primary goal in all of this has been to support his wife and his children.

Another source told ET, "Kate was diagnosed with cancer and has been receiving treatment for it. Kate and her family know she has a long road ahead of her, but she's staying positive. At the end of the day, Kate's main concern is her children and she's doing everything she can to maintain what kind of normalcy she can for them as she battles the disease."

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5 New Hotels Where the Past Meets the Present

Turrets, towers and tapestries greet guests at these evocative hotels in reimagined historic buildings in London, New York and beyond. (The food’s not bad, either.)

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

When is a hotel more than a place to sleep? When it’s in a building with a storied past, allowing guests to go back in time to the Gilded Age or Edwardian era as easily as they go to the gym or spa.

Nowadays you can check into a 17th-century former soap factory on the French Riviera, or part of the Old War Office in London, or a Renaissance-palazzo-style building that was once a bank in New York. Here are five new hotels in historic spaces where you can experience the past and present, delighting in the architecture of vanished days even as you indulge in the latest luxuries.

Château de Théoule

Théoule-sur-mer, france.

This seaside respite on the Côte d’Azur was once a 17th-century soap factory yet looks like a castle thanks to a Scottish lord who, in the early 1900s, added turrets and crenelated ramparts. Near the Massif de l’Estérel mountain range, the property opened this month with 44 rooms and suites, some in the castle and others in villas. All have an airy feel, thanks to linen curtains, rattan light fixtures, hardwood floors and views of the Bay of Cannes.

While the building begs to be explored, soft sand and sunshine are the order of the day — and the hotel has its own beach, La Plage Blanche, with 90 sun beds. Château de Théoule is about 20 minutes from Cannes, though if you get hungry there’s no need to leave the sand. A beach restaurant and lounge has cocktails — like the Strambery Fields (elderberry-infused gin, vanilla syrup, strawberry purée, tonic and egg white) — and menu items that include salads, pissaladière (think focaccia with confit onions, anchovies and black olives), and grilled octopus with citrus fennel and chimichurri. If you can bear to leave your lounge chair, explore the area’s hiking trails, swim in the pool, or visit the hotel spa for a massage or body treatment.

As evening descends, head to Mareluna on the terrace of the castle overlooking the bay for Mediterranean food and wine with dishes like cuttlefish tagliatelle with avocado and smoked herring eggs. Prices from 360 euros, or about $390 in low season, and from €920 in high season (mid-June to mid-September). The hotel will close for the season in mid-November.

Raffles London at the OWO

The former workplace of government and military officials, including Winston Churchill , the Old War Office (known as the New War Office when it was built in the early 1900s) has long been a place of intrigue. Fans of James Bond may recognize its Edwardian Baroque - style exterior from some of the films, and indeed Ian Fleming , the creator of Bond and a former naval intelligence officer, is said to have visited the building. It’s now open to the public for the first time, with part of it reborn as the 120-room-and-suite Raffles London at the OWO, the first Raffles Hotels & Resorts property in Britain.

Inside the grand space, some of the offices of political and military leaders have become suites, including one named for Churchill. There are also corner suites that take their names from female spies and other women linked to the property’s history, including Viscountess Astor , the first woman to sit in the House of Commons, and World War II operatives such as Vera May Atkins , a spy who recruited British secret agents.

The hotel’s interior design is by Thierry Despont , the French architect and designer known for his work on the Ritz Paris and the centennial restoration of the Statue of Liberty, who died last year.

Strategic planning taking place nowadays involves when to book an appointment at the hotel’s spa, which spans four floors. Historic spaces have new purposes, like a former library that’s been transformed into a restaurant, Saison by Mauro Colagreco , with Mediterranean dishes from the chef, perhaps best known for his Michelin-starred restaurant, Mirazur , in France. At Mauro Colagreco , another of the chef’s restaurants at the hotel, tasting menus highlight seasonal British fruits and vegetables.

Visit the Drawing Room , a wood-paneled lounge with a Steinway piano, for afternoon tea or something stronger, which you can sip while overlooking the Horse Guards at Buckingham Palace. Or slip off for a drink in rooms formerly used by MI5 at the underground Spy Bar . Prices from 922 pounds, or about $1,162.

Hotel Casa Lucia

Buenos aires.

Once one of Latin America’s tallest buildings, the Edificio Mihanovich — commissioned in the 1920s by Nicolas Mihanovich, a shipping businessman — is now home to this new 142-room-and-suite hotel. Inspired by the shape of a lighthouse, the building was among the first things sailors could see when coming into port, according to Casa Lucia, and Mihanovich wanted it to be tall enough so that he could see his own ships.

These days, guests can benefit from his ambitions with bird’s-eye views from some of the soft-hued contemporary rooms and suites. Many have balconies with outdoor showers, and spots overlooking Buenos Aires and the Río de la Plata.

In addition to being near the river, you’re in the midst of all that the chic Recoleta neighborhood has to offer: French-inspired architecture, boutiques, galleries and tourist destinations such as the Recoleta Cemetery , where you can visit the tomb of the former first lady Eva Perón .

Back at the hotel, savor Argentine cuisine and, of course, wine at Cantina Restaurant , then go next door to Le Club Bacan , a moody cocktail bar with a large selection of Argentine wines. Later this spring, you should be able to drop by the completed fitness center or the spa, which will have a heated pool. Prices from $670.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel

Located in a building that’s more than a century old, as well as a new 24-story glass space called the Tower, this 153-room-and-suite hotel in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood harks back to the Gilded Age, when it was a home and carriage house. In the early 1900s the building was sold, eventually becoming the Second National Bank , a five-story Renaissance-palazzo-style structure designed by McKim, Mead & White, the architectural firm behind New York’s original Pennsylvania Station and the Brooklyn Museum .

Step inside today and you’ll see a shimmering lobby with chandeliers, walls paneled in antique mirrors, marble flooring and cabinets replete with curiosities. The interior design by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is at once playful and sumptuous, featuring tapestries and walls saturated with colors and patterns. The guest rooms mix old and new with antiques, Murano glass chandeliers and wardrobes inspired by traditional Chinese cabinets.

Going out to eat in New York is a must. But the chef Andrew Carmellini , a James Beard Award winner known for restaurants like A Voce, Café Boulud and Locanda Verde, tempts guests to stay in. The hotel’s Café Carmellini is his take on modern Italian and French cooking, with a menu that includes dishes like black bass forestière and cannelloni of lobster and golden osetra. Afterward, drop by the art-filled, wood-paneled Portrait Bar , with an atmosphere inspired by Italian villas, for a drink by a fireplace. Prices from $895.

Charleston, S.C.

The 25 rooms, suites and residences in this stylish boutique hotel are spread across three buildings in downtown Charleston, including two from the Victorian era. And they are ideal if you want the amenities of a hotel and the flexibility of a vacation rental. All rooms have full kitchens, as well as washers and dryers. Some have French doors leading to private balconies and terraces. You’ll hardly want to hole up in your room, though. An outdoor terrace off the main lobby has a fireplace that invites you to pause after exploring the neighborhood’s romantic streets dotted with gas lamps, historic architecture, boutiques and restaurants.

Alternatively, wander over to the hotel’s Lequeux-Williams House, a Greek Revival-style building that the hotel says dates to 1834. Formerly a private residence, it has been repurposed into restaurants overseen by the chef Jason Stanhope , the winner of a James Beard Award for Charleston’s popular Fig restaurant. They include the Quinte , an oyster bar and cocktail spot (you can order seafood towers, soups, sandwiches and ice cream, too), named for a 1918 billiards hall that was in the same location. Or try Lowland , a tavern with inviting dining spaces spread over two floors, including an outdoor dining area on cobblestone that’s hundreds of years old. Wherever you sit, you can tuck into comfort food like a biscuit with farmer cheese and pepper jelly, or a burger and fries. Prices from $399.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .