St James's Palace - timeless, powerful, steeped in royal history & intrigue!

Timeless, powerful, and steeped in royal intrigue, St James’s Palace stands as a witness to centuries of British history — from Tudor scandal to modern monarchy.

Built by Henry VIII in the 1530s, legend whispers it was once a discreet retreat for his mistresses. Queen Mary I, remembered as ‘Bloody Mary’, died here in 1558 — and some say her ghost still roams its shadowed corridors. Charles II was born here. In 1997 the late Princess Diana’s coffin rested within its walls before her funeral, as crowds gathered along The Mall to pay their respects.

In 2022, the world watched as King Charles III was formally proclaimed sovereign from the palace — a tradition over 300 years old. Today, it remains a fully active working palace for the Royal Family: quiet, powerful, and influential.

I enjoyed presenting the The Art Review from this historic setting. To be invited to a royal event in the Throne Room is truly unforgettable. Masterpieces of art from the Royal Collection are featured throughout.

What I love about London is its living history — constantly present, deeply influential, and shaping the lives of generations past, present, and future.

James Nicholls

The Art Review

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