A Unique Look Inside Queen Elizabeth II's Private Chambers at the Palace of Holyroodhouse | Vanity Fair

Beyond the palace gates and away from the glare of the public spotlight, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip forged a private life, however unusual it may have been. The couple, who were married for more than 73 years until the Duke of Edinburgh's death in 2021, would discuss the day's headlines over breakfast, and swap stories as they watched horse racing on the television.

Understandably, the private realms in which these quiet, simple moments unfolded are kept under lock and key. Some continue to be used by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other members of the family; others feel too deeply personal to share with the world.

The honor guard gathers outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse ahead of a visit fro King Charles III.

Now, however, the doors are being opened to Queen Elizabeth II's personal rooms within the grandeur of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. For the first time ever, visitors will be able to tour her apartments, in their “lived-in” state. The tour will offer a look through the keyhole at how the palace looked while the Queen and Prince Philip were in residence—and an opportunity to see up close some of the royal artifacts and personal treasures with which they adorned their space.

The Royal Breakfast Room, where the Queen and Prince Philip would dine privately, is hung with magnificent Flemish tapestries, woven around 1650, featuring a beautiful design of a pergola framing an ornate vase filled with flowers. The tapestries were hung in the room in the 1920s at the request of Queen Elizabeth’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary. In the center of the room is a small, circular table, set with simple crockery that's a far cry from the ornate dinner service put on display for state banquets and formal occasions.

Queen Elizabeth II and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Following on from this is the Dressing Room, where Queen Elizabeth II would prepare for official engagements. There will be three outfits on display, each worn for a significant engagement in Edinburgh. Among them? A purple coat made of a silk-wool blend with a green silk-crepe and lace dress, and a shawl of purple and green Isle of Skye tartan, woven on the Island of Lewis, that the Queen wore for the opening of the Scottish Parliament in July of 1999. There is also a dress the Queen wore to the Garden Party in 2017, and a silk evening dress donned for the Commonwealth Heads of Government reception held at the palace in 1997.

The final stop on the tours will be the Sitting Room, where the Queen would rest between engagements, and review papers and documents from the Government. This modestly decorated room is dominated by two red sofas and a charming fireplace. The leather-topped desk is placed in front of the window and offers views across the gardens.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on February 13, 2018.

Queen Elizabeth II spent a week at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in late June or early July before retiring to Balmoral for her summer holiday. Known as “Holyrood Week.” this annual event was an opportunity for the Queen to shine a light on Scottish culture, history, and achievement. This included an annual Garden Party at the Palace for around 8,000 guests.

Emma Stead, Curator, Palace of Holyroodhouse, says “Queen Elizabeth II’s well-known love for Scotland will be given fresh context through this unique and special access to the private apartments, where visitors will enjoy a new perspective into both the formal and more informal use of Edinburgh’s royal palace.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Private Apartment Tours will run daily for 100 days from Thursday, May 21 to September 10,2026. Tours are limited and must be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Originally published in Tatler

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