Recently exhibited artworks, previously unveiled during King Charles's royal tours, now adorn the walls of Buckingham Palace.
The King's Tour Artists exhibition, now open at the Buckingham Palace Ballroom, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the world of royal travel. This extraordinary display features over 70 artworks from King Charles's personal collection, created by official tour artists who have accompanied the monarch on his overseas tours over the past four decades.
The exhibition, which is part of the summer opening of Buckingham Palace, runs from July 10 to September 28, 2025. Many of the artworks are being shown publicly for the first time, having been selected by King Charles and curated by Kate Heard.
Notable artists featured in the exhibition include John Ward, the first official tour artist invited by the then Prince of Wales in 1985, as well as Martin Yeoman, Robbie Wraith, and Peter Kuhfeld. These artists have captured the essence of royal tours through various mediums, providing a fascinating insight into the life and experiences of the royal family during their travels.
Striking pieces on display include 2007 portraits of Charles and Camilla by James Hart Dyke from a visit to the Gulf States. The exhibition also showcases the most recent artwork, created during the King and Queen's 2022 visit to Italy.
The King's Tour Artists exhibition is a testament to King Charles's extensive travels, having visited around 100 countries carrying out diplomatic duties on royal tours. Some notable anecdotes from the artists' experiences include instances of sunstroke, protocol faux pas, and brief misunderstandings during their travels.
For those interested in learning more about the exhibition, Victoria Murphy, a contributing editor at Town & Country and frequent contributor to Good Morning America, has authored the book The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King, which is on display at the exhibition. Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010 and has also penned the Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
Visitors to Buckingham Palace this summer will also have the opportunity to see the King and Queen's Coronation portraits on display in the Throne Room, following their permanent home in the Palace following their display at the National Gallery.
Tickets for the King's Tour Artists exhibition at Buckingham Palace are available now online. This is the first time the tour artists' works have been brought together in an exhibition, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and royal watchers alike.
- The King's Tour Artists exhibition, showcased in the home-and-garden of Buckingham Palace, offers a unique glimpse into the royal lifestyle through the artworks created by artists who accompanied King Charles on his travels.
- If you're planning to travel to London this summer, don't miss the opportunity to watch the King's Tour Artists exhibition, which features striking pieces like James Hart Dyke's 2007 portraits of Charles and Camilla, as part of your lifestyle exploration.
- For those who appreciate art and have an interest in the royal family, the King's Tour Artists exhibition at Buckingham Palace, featuring works from John Ward, Martin Yeoman, Robbie Wraith, Peter Kuhfeld, and more, would be a perfect addition to your home-and-garden or lifestyle collection.