Next year sees Kew Palace mark the 200th anniversary of the death of King George III with a new display. Opening on 3 April 2020, visitors to Kew Palace, located in the heart of Kew Gardens and included in garden admission, will discover the monarch behind the much-peddled myth. This display will celebrate the achievements of the misunderstood king and encourage discussion around men’s mental health.

Young George spent much of his childhood at Kew Palace, learning the art of kingship under the tutelage of some of the most celebrated theologians, architects and musicians of the day. In later life, it was also at Kew that George was treated for periods of mental and physical ill health. It is this treatment that has led to his life and achievements being almost entirely eclipsed by the story of his still poorly understood “madness”.

This display aims to change public attitudes towards King George. Throughout the palace rooms, visitors will be able to view objects which reveal the king’s diverse interests and uncover the treatments he endured at the hands of his doctors. Such items include notes made by George’s doctors and instructions for the king’s care written by his daughter, Princess Mary. These will be contrasted with examples of the artworks he acquired and a concert programme in his own hand!

Kew Palace is included in the ticket price to Kew Gardens (pictured here). Tickets to Kew Gardens can be purchased on the day at the ticket kiosk, or online via the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew website (https://www.kew.org/) . Kew Palace is open from 3 April-27 September 2020. Groups can also book a guided tour with one of our costumed Palace Explainers at £6 per person during opening hours. For further information, please contact groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk