While the bundreds of crazy #KateGate conspiracy theories rage on and Buckingham Palace desperately hunts for a new communications assistant, we've got some more positive news for all you royalists out there.
The private lodgings that once housed the Queen Mother are opening up to visitors for the first time ever this weekend. Kathryn Bedford, the curator responsible for them, has called this a ‘rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the never-before-seen private apartment’.
Her seaside retreat at Walmer Castle in Kent belonged to her when she held the title of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports from 1978 until she died in 2002. Fun fact: she's the only woman to have held the position.
Apparently, the digs are actually pretty modest. It's got a sitting room, dining room and master bedroom, all hidden behind a secret door within the castle. Visitors will get to see private items of former wardens not seen for decades. Other ex-residents include Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and the most recent warden Lord Michael Boyce.
Bedford, who is English Heritage's curator at Walmer Castle, said: ‘I think visitors might be surprised by the simplicity of how modern Lord Wardens, including the Queen Mother, have lived in the castle with their families and staff but I’m sure they will quickly appreciate the beauty and elegance of Walmer and see why it has become a favourite retreat for politicians, aristocracy and royalty.’
The Queen Mother's lodgings will officially open up to the public on Saturday, March 23 and will remain open throughout 2024. Here's a sneak peek:
Castles galore
The UK has some of the most iconic castles in the world. For more glimpses into the lives of the British aristocracy, these 13 castles are absolutely worth a visit. And if wandering around a blue blood's former home just isn't enough for you, check out these castles around the UK that you can actually stay the night in.
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