Chapel Royal

Outstandingly rich, colourful and layered with history, the chapel’s vaulted ceiling was installed by Henry VIII in the 1530s and is the grand culmination of Tudor opulence at Hampton Court.

Richmond, Surrey

Opening times

Visiting the chapel is included in palace admission.
The Chapel Royal is also a living, vibrant church with heavenly music, located at the heart of the historic palace and everyone is welcome to attend the sung religious services.

Address

Hampton Court Palace
Richmond
Surrey
KT8 9AU

The royal family would never sit in the main body of the church. Kings and queens always used a private pew on first floor level which looks down upon the main body of the chapel. Today, a single central room, like a box at an opera, is reserved for the monarch.

It was here in the chapel, in 1540, that Archbishop Cranmer handed Henry VIII a letter outlining various accusations against the King’s new wife, Catherine Howard.

Catherine was accused of unchaste behaviour before her marriage. Henry VIII had been besotted with his young wife, which is why he turned against her all the more viciously. She was executed at the Tower of London soon afterwards.

Henry VIII's Crown, an accurate replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII, is on display in the Royal Pew of the Chapel Royal where Henry himself would have sat wearing it.

Key features