The Royal Palaces

Secrets of the Royal Palaces takes readers on a tour around the British Isles visiting the most impressive lodges, cottages, palaces and castles owned (or once owned) by the royal family – each with a dramatic narrative to match.Spanning the last c.500 years, Kate Williams explores 30 locations that have been occupied by the monarchy, from Osborne House, designed by Prince Albert in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo; to Hatfield House, where young Elizabeth held court before finding out she would become queen; to Glamis Castle, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In Secrets of the Royal Palaces, Kate introduces each palace before uncovering the secrets held within the four walls, how the interiors were informed by political ties, and the salacious escapades and misbehaviours that the royals would have preferred kept under wraps. Illustrated throughout by James Oses, this is the perfect book for fans of British history and the royals.