Am I ever going to be able to get on with my next Anne Boleyn instalment or is Henry VIII doing his utmost to stop me?!
I couldn’t not blog about this weekend’s special events to celebrate the 500 year anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, could I? And if you’re in or around London this weekend make sure that you catch this amazing river pageant.
Saturday 20th June Events
This is the day of the Tudor river pageant which will sail along the River Thames between the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace.
The event kicks off with Henry VIII and his queen, Catherine of Aragon, boarding the Royal Shallop, “Jubilant”, at the Tower of London at 10 am, accompanied by a flotilla. They will sail past their loyal subjects gathered on the banks of the Thames between central London, through Richmond and along the Thames to Hampton Court Palace. The King and Queen are expected to arrive at Hampton Court Palace at about 3pm.
At Hampton Court Palace, visitors will be able to watch the Tudor cooks busily preparing a celebratory feast which will be served in the palace gardens. Festivities will include entertainment from the King’s Fools, music and dancing. Take a picnic with you or buy food at the palace and join in the celebrations.
Click here to see a PDF of the approximate timings of when Henry VIII’s river pageant will be passing places along the Thames.
Click here for a timetable of events happening at Hampton Court Palace from 12 noon and here for a timetable of evening events, including a grand firework finale at 9.45pm.
Sunday 21st June Events
Celebrations continue at Hampton Court Palace on Sunday with lots of traditional Tudor fun and games, including boat races and greasy poles, tours of the Palace and entertainment from the King’s Fool and musicians. Visitors will also get lots of opportunities to meet Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon and members of the Tudor Court, before the royal flotilla sail away at around 3pm.
Click here for a PDF timetable of events happening at Hampton Court Palace on Sunday.
More information can be found at Hampton Court Palace’s website – see http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/WhatsOn/HenryVIIIsCoronationWeekend.aspx
What a weekend to be in London!
