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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography

This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!

Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography

About Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography

28th Feb 2025 to 7th Sep 2025
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The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Canongate, Edinburgh East EH8 8DX
See event website for details
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For centuries, portraiture has played a vital role in shaping the public’s perception of the Royal Family. This exhibition charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day, bringing together photographic prints, proofs and documents from the Royal Collection and the Royal Archives.

Discover works from the most celebrated royal photographers, from Cecil Beaton and Dorothy Wilding to Annie Leibovitz and Rankin. Explore some of the close relationships between royal sitters and photographers, seen most clearly through the lens of Antony Armstrong-Jones (later Lord Snowdon), who married Princess Margaret in 1960.

The exhibition sheds light on behind-the-scenes processes, from photographers’ handwritten annotations to correspondence with members of the Royal Family and their staff, revealing the stories behind some of the most celebrated photographs ever taken of the Royal Family.

This exhibition is taking place at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, formerly known as The Queen’s Gallery.

Image: Princess Margaret, 1967 Photograph: Snowdon (RCIN 2335975) ©

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Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

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Spanning portraits of Queen Victoria to King Charles III, this lecture taking place at the Abbey Strand Centre, discusses how iconic images are published and remembered.

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Fireside Stories: Herbal Histories

9th May 2025

Join artist and storyteller Amanda Edmiston for an evening of botanical storytelling inspired by the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 9th May!

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Relaxed Morning: Palace of Holyroodhouse

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers this relaxed opening on Saturday 19th July. It's a chance to explore the palace in a calm, tranquil atmosphere.

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Physic Garden: Flower Arranging

24th July 2025

Join florist and Royal Warrant holder Lottie Longman on 24th July to explore the flowers of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then create your own bouquet to take home.

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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour

12th August 2025

Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!

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Relaxed Evening: Palace of Holyroodhouse

22nd August 2025

This relaxed opening on Friday 22nd August, offers a chance to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a calm, tranquil atmosphere!

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Physic Garden: Floral Wreaths

3rd September 2025

Join florist and Royal Warrant holder Lottie Longman to explore the flowers of the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and create your own fresh wreath!

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