For most, residing in a royal palace is a fantasy, but for one 28-year-old from North London, it's his everyday reality. Jack Joseph has revealed the surprising reason he calls the historic and reportedly haunted Hampton Court Palace his home.
A Home Fit for a King
In a series of TikTok videos that captivated social media users, Jack explained that in 2022 he moved into the 500-year-old palace in Richmond upon Thames. He was quick to clarify that he is neither royalty nor a palace employee. "This is just my home," he stated, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his living situation.
The Niche Profession Behind the Move
The key to his unique address lies in his profession. Jack is a professional real tennis player. He clarified that 'real tennis' is the original racket sport, known as 'court tennis' in America and 'jeu de paume' in France, and is distinct from modern lawn tennis.
"It's been played at Hampton Court Palace since the 1530s," Jack said, showing footage of himself playing on the historic court. "Henry VIII used to play here and now I do because of my job." The palace itself notes that Henry VIII was a keen and talented tennis player, with the first court built for Cardinal Wolsey between 1526 and 1529.
Life in a Living Museum
For Jack, the palace is both his home and workplace. "This is my base, which means the place millions of people visit on a day trip is just where I live and go to work," he explained. His revelations sparked a flurry of questions from intrigued followers.
When asked about neighbours, Jack advised that three tennis professionals, including himself, live in separate apartments within the palace grounds. He also confirmed that, fortunately, he can get a pizza delivered directly to his door.
Responding to a query about the sport's traditional equipment, Jack confirmed a remarkable detail: all real tennis balls are still handmade from scratch by the tennis pros themselves, continuing a centuries-old craft.
The current tennis court at Hampton Court was built for Charles I in 1625, with three walls dating from that period. One external wall is even an original from Cardinal Wolsey's time, making Jack's workplace a genuine piece of living history.
