The Royal Visit

Discover the Royal Visit of 1896

130 years ago, Blenheim Palace prepared for its most important guests: the Prince and Princess of Wales, for a four-day royal visit. At just 19 years old, Consuelo, Duchess of Marlborough, an American heiress newly married into one of Britain's grandest families, was tasked with mastering the rigid etiquette of Victorian high society to orchestrate it.

Preparations reached every corner of the Palace. Above stairs, Consuelo managed the finer details of hosting royalty. Below stairs, footmen and maids worked tirelessly, a story now told in our Life Below Stairs exhibition.

Step inside and discover the gowns on display, from the four daily changes Consuelo wore in a single day of the visit, to more recent coronation gowns including Lady Rosemary's, worn as a Maid of Honour at the coronation of Elizabeth II. Throughout the summer, our Maid and Butler actors bring this era to life with daily tours across the Palace as well.