Queen Elizabeth II's top-secret Holyroodhouse apartments exposed for milestone occasion


The late Queen's private spaces at Scottish home, Holyroodhouse, are being opened to the public for the first time in history


queen elizabeth smiling
Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
2 minutes ago
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Ever wondered what it's like to live like a Queen? Members of the public are now getting the chance to peek inside the private apartments of the late Queen Elizabeth II at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the first time ever. King Charles has decided to allow the spaces to be made public to celebrate what would have been the year of his mother's 100th birthday. 

On Thursday, there was a press preview of the rooms, so allow us to give you a special tour of the previously top secret spaces, including a cosy sitting room, a private breakfast room where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip used to dine and even Her Majesty's former writing desk, complete with all-important red despatch boxes.

Keep scrolling to see photos from inside the apartments…

royal living room © Getty Images

The lounge area has a warm colour theme

The sitting room

The apartments include a grand yet cosy sitting space, and highlights are two red sofas with clashing lime green cushions, gold framed artwork on the walls and a plush floral carpet.

sitting room

Can you spot the TV?

A relatable feature is the television positioned off to one side on an unassuming TV stand, a modern contrast to the rest of the historic space with its antiques and regal touches.

teddy bear on sofa© Getty Images

This teddy was sentimental to the late Queen

The Queen's teddy bear

The late queen always asked for her beloved teddy to be displayed on the sofa just like this, it has been revealed. The monarch was gifted 'Haddington' bear circa 2000 and Emma Stead, the curator for the Palace of Holyroodhouse, told PA Media: "The Queen was given him as a gift and after that she asked that whenever she arrived here, he be placed in that particular position on the sofa awaiting her arrival. She had a few personal objects that she liked to be placed quite precisely."

writing desk

Where Queen Elizabeth II used to work

The writing desk

Positioned in front of the window in the sitting room is a writing desk, which is where Her Majesty used to sit to do her work. The curator has decided to keep two red despatch boxes out on display, and these iconic red leather briefcases are used by the British monarch to house top-secret government papers. In addition to these, the desk features fountain pens and ink (an enemy of King Charles - case in point), a paper weight and official headed paper.

royal room© Getty Images

Anyone for eggs?

The breakfast room

The breakfast room is where Her Majesty would have often enjoyed her morning meal with her husband, Prince Philip, ahead of a day of engagements. The centre of the room has a modest round wooden table, which may seem quite small in size given the grandeur of the room but it clearly indicates the private nature of this space.

wooden sideboard© Getty Images

The breakfast sideboard

A dark wooden sideboard has been dressed with ornate green crockery, resembling a breakfast buffet area in a luxury hotel.

Learning curator Richard Williams told PA Media: "[The Queen] would take breakfast between 9am and 9.15am, with the Queen’s piper playing down below in the garden.

"She and the Duke of Edinburgh would be here, the Scotsman newspaper would be delivered, also the Radio Times and the Racing Post as well.

"After the Duke of Edinburgh passed away, breakfast was the only meal that she would eat by herself, and she would sit in the chair with her back to the fireplace so she could see all the members of staff and people’s comings and goings in front of her."

 

dressing room © Getty Images

The Queen's clothes are on display

The dressing room

A room lined with large wooden wardrobes, which could well be a dressing room, has been used to display some of the late Queen's former outfits. The items include one dress and two coat dresses which are hung beautifully on mannequins. In addition, the team has selected an array of accessories to complete the exhibit.

woman curating exhibit© Getty Images

Tickets are on sale now

Tour details

Lucky visitors to Holyroodhouse this summer will be able to see the apartments up close. Tickets cost £71.00 per adult (if booked online) and the price includes a 1-hour guided tour of the apartments and then access to the rest of Holyroodhouse. The apartment will be open each day from 21 May to 10 September, but there are excluded dates listed on rct.uk.

The palace is in Edinburgh, Scotland© Royal Collection Trust

About Holyroodhouse

Holyroodhouse is a tourist hotspot located at the base of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, and it serves as the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. As well as being a choice spot for royal fans, it is a working palace and plays host to formal ceremonies, state affairs, and the King's annual Holyrood Week celebrations.

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