Queen Mother’s ‘locked-away’ apartment opens to public for first time

The late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s apartment in Kent will be opened to the public for a “behind-the-scenes glimpse” for the first time, English Heritage has announced.

The private apartment of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a position once held by the Queen Mother, is located within Walmer Castle.

She is known to have enjoyed her annual summer trips to the castle’s apartment, often bringing her corgis with her and sometimes even her own curtains for the duration of her stay.

Kathryn Bedford, English Heritage’s curator at the castle, said: “This is a rare opportunity for a ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse into the never-before-seen private apartment at Walmer Castle.

“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.”

She added that she was sure people would “quickly appreciate the beauty and elegance of Walmer and see why it has become a favourite retreat for politicians, aristocracy and royalty”.

The historical office of the Lord Warden was created to enable Crown control of the five powerful ports of the south-east coast and it was one of the most influential offices in mediaeval England.

The role holder’s official residence became Walmer Castle in the 18th century because of its advantageous location on the Kent coast.

It has since become a fully ceremonial role but other famous figures who have held the title are Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington.

The Queen Mother was the longest-serving person to hold the role and the only woman to have had it.

The position was most recently held by Lord Michael Boyce, Admiral of the Fleet and former chief of the defence staff, until his death in 2022. It falls to the King to appoint a successor.

The new opening will allow visitors to tour a selection of rooms in the apartment, including the sitting, dining and master bedroom used by the Queen Mother.

Previously, this apartment had been locked away behind a “secret door”, according to English Heritage, as it was a private space in the 1960s and was separated from the rest of the castle.

The items on display will include private items that have not been seen for decades, like a selection of paintings from the former Australian prime minister Sir Robert Menzies’s collection.

The apartment opens on March 23 and will remain open throughout 2024.