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King’s Tour Artists exhibition at Buckingham Palace 2025

Step inside a unique artistic tradition this summer at The King’s Tour Artists, a special exhibition at Buckingham Palace. Running from 10 July to 28 September 2025, the display offers a rare insight into four decades of royal travel through the eyes of Britain’s most talented artists.
Kirstine Spicer
Written by Kirstine Spicer Edited by Visit London Editors 08 May 2025
Richard Foster, Their Royal Highnesses on North Seymour Island, 2009 at The King's Tour Artists at Buckingham Palace.
Richard Foster, Their Royal Highnesses on North Seymour Island, 2009 at The King's Tour Artists at Buckingham Palace. © Richard Foster. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust

Each summer, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to showcase some of the most remarkable items in the Royal Collection. In 2025, visitors will be treated to a fascinating new exhibition: The King’s Tour Artists.

This special display brings together more than 70 works of art from His Majesty King Charles III’s private collection, many of which will be shown to the public for the very first time. These pieces were created by artists invited to join the then Prince of Wales on official overseas tours, starting with John Ward’s appointment in 1985 during a Royal visit to Italy.

Over the past 40 years, 42 artists have joined the royal tours to 95 countries, capturing fleeting moments in time that offer a glimpse into the landscapes, cultures and people encountered by the Royal family.

Chosen personally by the King, each artist was given the freedom to interpret what they saw and experienced – whether that was vivid scenery or more intimate everyday happenings.

Highlights from the exhibition

John Ward, From the Afterdeck of HMY Britannia, 1985 © The Estate of the Artist. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust

Don’t miss these artworks featured in the special display:

  • John Ward’s sketches from aboard HMY Britannia (1985).
  • Luke Marineau’s light-soaked paintings of Balsamand Palace in India (2010).
  • Paul Reid’s Standing Man, created on a 2004 tour to Petra.
  • Mary Anne Autoun Ellis’s work from the 2000 tour to Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Jamaica.
  • Warwick Fuller’s work on the blooming waratahs in the National Botanic Gardens of Canberra in Australia in 2004.

These works, among many other incredible pieces, provide visitors with an extraordinary visual diary of modern royal travel.

What else is there to see at Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace behind a lake on a cloudy day in London.

Buckingham Palace is not only a working royal residence but also a cultural treasure trove.

During the summer opening, visitors can enjoy: 

  • The magnificent State Rooms, filled with masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens.
  • Famous ceremonial spaces, including the Throne Room and the Ballroom (this is where the exhibition will be held).
  • Hidden gems like the White Drawing Room, used by the Royal Family for official receptions.

Each room tells its own story and contributes to the narrative of British royal history and heritage.

How can I book tickets for the Buckingham Palace exhibition?

Access to The King’s Tour Artists exhibition is included in the standard entry to Buckingham Palace.

Book your tickets now to secure your spot.

Check back soon for more information on the exhibition once it opens 10 July.