Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, will soon have a chance to explore the private apartments formerly occupied by the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip. This unique opportunity arises as part of celebrations commemorating what would have been the monarch’s 100th birthday this summer.
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The royal couple’s previously unseen living quarters will be accessible to the public for the first time, allowing royal enthusiasts an intimate look at their life at Holyroodhouse. The tours will begin on May 21 and will run until September 10, 2026, with tickets going on sale in two phases starting on March 9 for exclusive pricing, followed by general availability from March 12.
The apartments, with origins dating back to the 17th century, have been used by various royal family members since the reign of Queen Victoria. Visitors can expect to see these rooms furnished with items from the personal collections of Elizabeth and Philip, alongside pieces from the broader Royal Collection. These spaces are particularly special as they reflect the couple’s deep affection for Scotland, offering a glimpse into their private lives away from the formalities of royal duties.
Emma Stead, the curator at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, expressed excitement about the upcoming tours, highlighting Queen Elizabeth II’s well-documented fondness for Scotland. She stated that this access to the Queen’s private apartments would provide visitors with a fresh perspective on both the formal and informal uses of the royal palace in Edinburgh.
One of the notable areas included in the tour is the Royal Breakfast Room. This space served as a private dining area for the Queen and Prince Philip and features exquisite Flemish tapestries, which have adorned the room since the 1920s at the behest of Queen Elizabeth’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary.
The apartments will showcase not only the living quarters of the royal couple but also elements of Prince Philip’s curated art collection, which spans over four decades. This collection, consisting mainly of works by 20th-century Scottish artists, reflects Philip’s profound admiration for the landscapes and wildlife of Scotland.
In addition to the rooms themselves, several of the late Queen’s outfits will be on display, providing further insight into her personal style and public persona. In her Dressing Room, for instance, visitors will encounter an ensemble worn by the Queen at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. This outfit includes a silk-wool blend coat paired with a dress made of silk crepe and lace, along with a tartan shawl crafted from Isle of Skye fabric.
Another exhibit will feature a lavish silk evening gown, designed by John Anderson, adorned with a stunning array of beads and sequins. This particular dress was worn during the Commonwealth Heads of Government reception at Holyroodhouse in 1997, capturing a significant moment in the Queen’s public life.
A third outfit on display will highlight a sophisticated coat made from white tweed fabric, accented with hints of pink, yellow, and green, as well as a coordinating pink wool crepe day dress – both creations by designer Karl Ludwig van Rehse. This outfit was worn by the Queen during a garden party held at Holyroodhouse.
Overall, the upcoming tours promise visitors an enriching experience and a rare chance to connect with the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II through the lens of her cherished Scottish residence. With carefully curated displays and guided tours, the Palace of Holyroodhouse aims to honour the late monarch by revealing a side of her life previously kept private. As the summer approaches, anticipation is building for what will be a poignant celebration of a remarkable life and reign.