Buckingham Palace

The Royal Collection Trust has announced its programme of exhibitions and displays available to groups at the official royal residences in 2017.

In time for the summer opening of Buckingham Palace in July, the exhibition, Royal Gifts, will tell the story of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign through a range of official gifts presented to her over a period of 65 years.

Gifts from world leaders including former US President Ronald Reagan, former South African President Nelson Mandela and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China will be on show, displaying craftsmanship from across the globe.

Meanwhile groups planning to visit Windsor Castle next year will be able to learn about the fire at the castle in 1992 in an exhibition called Restoring Windsor: The Castle after the Fire. Groups will be able to discover the story of the battle to stop the flames and save irreplaceable works of art, as well as the subsequent restoration project, which saw some rooms redesigned and others returned to their original appearance.

Groups visiting the Restoring Windsor: The Castle after the Fire exhibition can expect to begin their visit in Windsor Castle’s Winchester Tower with refreshments and a talk by an expert guide.

Groups visiting Scotland and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2017 will be able to mark Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology with private guided tours of the royal Scottish residence, which will include a particular focus on Bonnie Prince Charlie, also known as The Young Pretender, and his time at the Palace in the 18th century.

Details of additional group visits and private tours available in 2017 can be found by visiting the Royal Collection Trust’s website.

For more information call 0303 123 7321, e-mail groupbookings@royalcollection.org.uk or visit www.royalcollection.org.uk.

Photo credit: Visit England / Diana Jarvis.