Queen Elizabeth II Private Apartments Open to Public at Holyroodhouse

The Royal Collection Trust opened Queen Elizabeth II's private apartments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the public on Thursday. The exhibition marks the centenary of her birth and allows visitors to view the domestic spaces used by the late monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh during Scottish visits.

Williams, learning curator at the Royal Collection Trust, described the rooms as domestic and comfortable rather than grand. Curators said the display provides new insight into the private side of the Queen's life.

Among the items shown is Haddington Bear, a tartan-clad teddy bear placed on a sofa for the Queen each time she arrived. Emma Stead, curator for Holyrood Palace, said the Queen requested the bear be positioned in the same spot on every visit. A red, white and blue pin cushion from the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh is displayed beside the fireplace in its original position.

15am each morning while listening to the piper. Newspapers including The Scotsman, the Radio Times, and the Racing Post were delivered daily. After the Duke of Edinburgh's death, the Queen took breakfast alone and positioned herself to observe staff movements.

The apartments date from the 17th century and are still used by King Charles and Queen Camilla during Scottish visits. Tours run daily until September 10, except during Royal Week, and require a separate ticket from standard palace admission.