Secrets of the Royal Palaces

More behind-the-scenes tales of the British monarchy's residences, looking at Queen Elizabeth II added the Royal Gallery to Buckingham Palace after swathes of it were damaged by bombs during the Second World War. Kate Williams explores the make-up used in the Elizabethan court, including arsenic, beetles and the urine of a small boys, and also reveals how George III was imprisoned and tortured in Kew Gardens to hide his mental decline and how Holyrood Palace became the nerve centre of the Jacobite Rebellion.

Behind-the-scenes tales from the Palaces of Westminster, with the State Opening of Parliament the event where royalty and democracy come together. The Prince's Chamber was specially built for Queen Elizabeth II to rest before entering the Lords and taking her seat on the palace's royal throne, while a secret tunnel hidden behind the ancient walls is explored. Other stories featured include a hologram portrait of Elizabeth II and how Charles II dabbled in cannibalism.

Windsor Castle is the largest permanently lived in castle in the world, and it's still packed with secrets. There is the Welsh Cottage, a 2 fifths life size Dolls house that the young Elizabeth 2nd played in as a child. It had been gifted to her by the people of Wales but she almost never got to play in it, as caught fire on the way to Windsor. We examine the stunning Waterloo Chamber, built from contained courtyard and turned into one of the most stunning rooms in the Palace, dedicated to Britain's greatest military victory. And why did the Royal family pick Windsor as their new name. When Princess Margret died in 2002, her family were left with a 3million pound tax bill. Their solution to cover this was to sell her personal Royal Kensington possessions. What followed was a one-off Royal Auction. Everything that wasn't nailed down went under the hammer. But the Queen was not amused and intervened to stop them profiting from the state. In 1981, during the Trooping the Colour, shots ring out as the queen passes by. We cover inside story of this potential assassination with eye-witness interviews including the guard that confronted the shooter. And we discover that jewellery and portraits are not the only treasures kept in the palaces. We explore the Queens favourite car, her palace on Wheels And Kate Williams explores some of the more gruesome stories of Palace history including the worst executioner in Palace history and the Iron Maiden, the British Predecessor to the Guillotine. Secrets old and new, from the darkest history of the royal residences to modern day dilemmas and disasters – it's all here in Secrets of the Royal Palaces.

Greenwich - the great lost palace. I was built in the 16th century but fell into disrepair and was slowly demolished - but a few tantalising ruins remain. There is Henry VIII's wine cellar, built to an exacting standard and designed to last. Jonathan Foyle gains exclusive access to this remarkable room. We also explore the Queen's house, the only part of the palace that remains in pristine condition, it was the first example of Classic Design anywhere in the country. In 2010, when Prince Charles and Camilla were driving to the Royal Variety Show, when their limo found itself in the middle of a riot. We talk to Cliff Hide, the Photographer that captured the moment and learn about how close the Royal couple came to being overrun by the mob. When Harry first started dating Meghan in 2016, he wanted to keep his relationship as secret as possible but press were desperate to capture the happy couple together. We have an exclusive interview with Emily Andrews, the journalist that captured that first picture that confirmed they were in a relationship. We take a detailed look at one of the most famous coaches kept in the Royal Mews: the gold state Coach. Built in 1760, this mammoth coach has witnessed centuries of history, including Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation. But it hides a secret - the royal family hate it. Kate Williams explores some of the more gruesome stories of Palace history including the secret sex life of Lady Katherine Grey.

The history of Hampton Court's Great Hall, a huge dining area built by more than 400 stonemasons, bricklayers, carpenters, joiners and labourers that was also used by Henry VIII to keep an eye on his household. Plus, a look at the 2002 Golden Jubilee Party, which was held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and is considered to have changed the public's perception of monarchy. 

Behind-the-scenes tales of St James's Palace, which was built between 1531 and 1536 on the orders of Henry VIII and is the business centre of the royal family. There is a look at the history of Fabergé eggs, of which the Royal Collection contains three, and Kate Williams explores more gruesome stories of palace history, including the horrific story of what happened to Catherine Parr's body, and how giving birth in a palace became a spectator sport.

Behind-the-scenes tales of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, which was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840 and was turned into their perfect renaissance hideaway. Kate Williams goes on a culinary adventure and tries traditional Tudor cuisine, including snails and pigs' feet, while the horrors of the palaces' bedding ceremony is revealed, where a royal bride is observed on her wedding night to make sure the marriage is consummated.

Behind-the-scenes tales of Kensington Palace, which started out as Nottingham House until it was bought in 1698 by William III and transformed into a royal residence after a major renovation. Kate Williams explores some of the more gruesome pieces of palace history, including the grim death of Henry Stuart, the murder of Amy Robsart to clear a path for the queen, and the amazing story of Eleanor Cobham, the `Royal Witch".