Historic Access to Queen Elizabeth II's Private Scottish Residence
In an unprecedented move, the private living quarters of the late Queen Elizabeth II at her official Scottish residence will be accessible to the public for the very first time. This special opening commemorates the centenary of her birth, providing a unique opportunity to explore the personal spaces she and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, occupied during their stays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Behind the Scenes at Holyroodhouse
Visitors will be able to tour the Queen's Dressing Room, Sitting Room, and Royal Breakfast Room, which are described as "personal lived-in" apartments. These rooms, located on the palace's east side and dating from the 17th century, offer views of the gardens and Holyrood Park. The Royal Collection Trust has emphasised that these modestly decorated spaces provide a rare glimpse into the private moments of the royal couple between official duties.
The tours, which will run for 100 days, will be guided by experts who will share the history of these rooms, used by successive monarchs since Queen Victoria's reign, and reveal how Elizabeth II and her consort utilised them.
Detailed Insights into Royal Life
In the Sitting Room, the Queen conducted official business, reviewing documents from her red boxes and holding private audiences at a small antique desk facing the central window. The room features a large chandelier, two terracotta-coloured sofas flanking the fireplace, and a flat-screen TV where she would watch horse racing, a lifelong passion, during downtime.
The Dressing Room will display three ensembles from the Queen's wardrobe, each worn for significant occasions in Edinburgh:
- A purple silk-wool blend coat with a green silk-crepe and lace dress, and a tartan shawl, worn for the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
- A beaded and sequinned silk gown by John Anderson, worn to a Commonwealth reception in 1997.
- A white tweed coat and pink wool crepe dress worn to a garden party in 2017.
The Royal Breakfast Room, where the Queen and Philip dined privately, features a circular table with a white linen cloth and walls adorned with 1650s Flemish tapestries.
Personal Touches and Scottish Affection
The rooms are furnished with historic objects from the Royal Collection and personal items from the Queen and Philip, many reflecting their deep affection for Scotland. Prince Philip's collection of contemporary Scottish art, including works by 20th-century artists showcasing Scotland's landscapes and wildlife, will be part of the tour.
Emma Stead, the palace's curator, noted that this access offers a new perspective on the Queen's well-known love for Scotland, highlighting both formal and informal uses of the palace.
Practical Information for Visitors
The Queen Elizabeth II Private Apartment Tours will be available daily from May 21 to September 10 this year only. Royal Collection Trust email subscribers can book tickets at an offer price of £61 from March 9, with general sales starting on March 12 at £71 in advance or £75 on the day. These tours require an additional standard admission ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, costing £22 in advance or £26 on the day.
Queen Elizabeth II, the nation's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral in Scotland in September 2022 after a 70-year reign. The centenary of her birth is on April 21 this year, making this opening a poignant tribute to her legacy in Scotland.
