At Hampton Court Palace
After the stellar success of the inaugural event, The Queen's Reading Room Festival returns by popular demand to Hampton Court Palace. Coming for one day only, don't miss out on this star-studded event.
The Festival will be even bigger and better than last year’s event. It will once again gather authors, experts, actors and literature lovers for a day celebrating the written word, set against the magical backdrop of Hampton Court Palace.
The line-up
This year, the star-studded line-up includes stars of Harry Potter Miriam Margolyes and Helena Bonham Carter, thrill-writer Harlan Coben and a special musical showcase of the musical comedy Operation Mincemeat.
Great Hall
11:00 – 12:00: Tracy Borman: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History
12:30 – 13:30: Golden Age Mystery: Rev Richard Coles
14:30 – 15:30: The Women of WWII: Kate Mosse
Cartoon Gallery
11:00 – 12:00: The Ethical Novelist: Bernardine Evaristo in conversation with Elif Shafak
12:30 – 13:30: On the Classics: Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides
14:30 – 15:30: Thrilling and Chilling: Harlan Coben and Mick Herron
Main Stage
11:00 – 12:00: Operation Mincemeat: Highlights and Q&A
12:30 - 13:30: The Perfect Crime: with Ian Rankin, Lee Child and Ann Cleeves
14:30 – 15:30: William Sieghart presents his Poetry Pharmacy: featuring Dame Harriet Walters and Helena Bonham Carter
20:00 – 21:30: What the Dickens! Miriam Margolyes and Friends
Tudor Tour
15:30 - 16:30: Tudor Tour with Tracy Borman
Step back in time through the corridors of power where Tudor monarchs once held court and discover the secrets of one of England's most iconic royal residences. Led by esteemed historian, author and broadcaster Dr Tracy Borman, this exclusive Tudor tour of Hampton Court Palace offers a unique and unforgettable addition to your festival schedule.
For daytime sessions, all attendees must buy a Hampton Court Palace grounds pass. This will allow access to the grounds from 10:00-16:00. For the Main Stage evening show: What the Dickens! Miriam Margolyes and Friends, a grounds pass is not required.
When
Saturday 08 June 2024
Ticketing information
For daytime sessions all attendees must buy a Hampton Court Palace grounds pass which will allow access to the grounds from 10:00-16:00.
Historic Royal Palaces members benefit from a free grounds pass.
A grounds pass is not required for the evening show, What the Dickens! Miriam Margolyes & Friends.
Separate ticket
BUY TICKETSAbout The Queen's Reading Room
The Queen’s Reading Room is a charity led by Her Majesty Queen Camilla to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading. It is on a mission to help more people find and connect with books which enrich their lives.
Find out moreEXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Events
Hampton Court Palace Festival
A series of open-air summer concerts in the spectacular and iconic Tudor courtyard at Hampton Court Palace.
- Until 21 June 2024 (selected dates)
- Hampton Court Palace
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- Events
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Join us for a fun-filled celebration in the stunning setting of Hampton Court Palace in summer 2024.
- 02 - 07 July 2024 (RHS Members’ Days: 02 and 03 July)
- Hampton Court Palace
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- Events
- Families
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Join a bank holiday weekend celebration of food and drink in Hampton Court Palace's iconic gardens.
- 24 - 26 August 2024
- 10:00 - 18:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Henry VIII
Who was the real Henry VIII?
Anne of Cleves
Henry VIII's wife number four, but so much more
Katherine Parr
The remarkable life of Henry VIII’s last Queen
Shop online
Shop Hampton Court Palace Gifts
Our gifts and souvenirs are are inspired by over 500 years of history from Hampton Court Palace.
From £2.50
Shop Tudor gifts
Browse through our Tudor Collection to find a whole range of products based on the Tudors.
From £3.00
Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman
Discover the world of Elizabeth I with this insightful look at Elizabeth's relationship with woman and how they helped to shape her into a remarkable monarch. This thrilling book explores the lesser known side of Elizabeth I who is often portrayed as a ruthless 'man's woman'.
£16.99