Some of the most famous royal residences in Britain will welcome
thousands of extra visitors this year and all because of
flowers.
Hampton Court Palace and Sandringham are set to attract huge
crowds in the summer when they host major garden shows.
The Royal Horticultural Society has confirmed that its popular
Hampton Court Palace show will go ahead at the end of June. And,
for the first time, there will be a show at Sandringham in
Norfolk.
The royal home, which is the personal property of the Monarch,
will open its doors to the public for a five day extravaganza of
flowers at the end of July 2026.
It will join a roster of flower shows organised by the RHS every
year – the best known is Chelsea which takes place in May and which
is expected to be attended by many members of the Royal Family this
year.
Hampton Court is also a popular destination for royal gardening
fans. In 2025, the Duchess of Edinburgh fully embraced the summer
with a visit to one of the most famous royal residences in
Britain.
On 1 July, the Duchess of Edinburgh visited Hampton Court Palace
to take in the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. The RHS
show ran from 1 to 6 July at the former home of King Henry VIII,
Queen Anne Boleyn, King William III, and Queen Mary II. It hosts
the flower show each July.
While Sophie was able to enjoy all of the gardens on display,
she also got to enjoy a fashion show.
Level 3 BTEC Fashion students at Kingston College showed off
their work at the Young Designers’ Fashion Show. Her Royal Highness
was able to chat with the students afterwards, learning more about
their sustainable, garden-inspired pieces.
Sophie understood the assignment for her own look. She chose a
floral day dress, the Wild Bloom Print Dress from ME and EM, one
she wore first in May. And what would her summer look be without
her favourite seasonal shows, her white leather High Mary Jane
Espadrilles from Penelope Chilvers.
While the Duchess was enjoying the beautiful weather and gardens
at Hampton Court Palace, the Duke of Edinburgh was in Canada for a
Canada Day visit. He may well be at his wife’s side for visits
to flower shows in 2026.
And the whole Royal Family will have much more choice as
Sandringham joins the list.