Reader offer: Tour Britain’s finest palaces – and hear from Royal expert Robert Hardman

Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles on this trip which takes place just over a week after the unforgettable occasion that will mark his accession to the throne.

On this fascinating three-day tour, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life and homes of the new King and his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth II.

You’ll also visit the Royal Vaults in St George’s Chapel† where Her Majesty was laid to rest.

And you will explore the capital’s regal history on visits to Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle, where you’ll go on a private tour of the State Apartments and enjoy a glass of champagne.

From Henry VIII to King Charles, the British monarchy features some of history’s most captivating figures and grisliest tales, and these palaces are the ultimate seats of power.

So who better to give you a unique insight into them than our very own Robert Hardman? As a Royal writer, commentator and film-maker, Robert has had privileged access to the Royal Family and the Royal Household for more than 25 years and can give you an insider’s view on their past, present and future.

Now a much-loved Mail columnist, Robert will join you for an exclusive talk and Q&A. You will also receive a copy of his book Queen Of Our Times: The Life Of Elizabeth II**, which he will happily sign for you.

Don’t miss your chance to explore these four magnificent palaces and celebrate 1,000 years of regal history on the ultimate Royal tour of London.

You’ll enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Hampton Court Palace (above), forever associated with Henry VIII and the Tudor court 

ABOUT THE EXPERT 

You will be joined by Robert Hardman 

A journalist for more than 30 years, Robert Hardman is one of the UK’s leading authors and commentators on the Royal Family. His books include Monarchy, Queen Of The World and Our Queen. He has also written and produced documentaries including Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, Anne: The Princess Royal At 70, George III: The Genius Of The Mad King and Charles At 60 on both the BBC and ITV. As the writer of the Daily Mail’s How I See It column, Robert covers all aspects of Royal, national and international news.

REASONS TO BOOK 

Exclusive talk by Robert Hardman: Robert is one of the UK’s most respected Royal reporters and will give you an extraordinary insight into the workings of the modern Royal Family in a talk and Q&A session. He has covered more than 60 international tours and interviewed many members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, and is the author of the biography Queen Of Our Times: The Life Of Elizabeth II.

Royal Vaults at St George’s Chapel†: On the first day of your trip you can visit the Royal Vaults†, located in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The late Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin rested there before being transferred to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, where she is buried next to her husband and parents.

Royal castles and palaces: The walls may not be able to talk, but you will hear more astonishing true tales of the monarchy from your tour manager in the most important Royal houses across the city. These include Westminster Abbey, which has witnessed the Coronation of every monarch since William the Conqueror; the Tower of London, the mighty fortress that is now the permanent home of the Crown Jewels; and Buckingham Palace (exterior view only), the official Royal residence in London since Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837.

Explore Hampton Court: You’ll enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Hampton Court, forever associated with Henry VIII and the Tudor court. Admire the magnificent Great Hall and the huge Tudor kitchens, and walk down the infamous Haunted Gallery to the State Apartments.

Behind the scenes at Windsor Castle: Another highlight will be Windsor Castle, a Royal stronghold since the Norman Conquest, where you will journey through 1,000 years of regal history on a private tour of the State Apartments at a time when the castle is otherwise closed to the public. You’ll enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne at the tour’s close.

Historic hotel stay: You’ll be based at The Talbot, a charming former coaching inn in the renowned Surrey village of Ripley. It has many period features from its 500-year history and was also reputedly used as a hitching post by Lord Nelson. It is said that his love affair with Lady Hamilton blossomed here.