The Queen's Reading Room

After the stellar success of the inaugural event, The Queen's Reading Room Festival returns by popular demand to Hampton Court Palace. Coming for one day only, don't miss out on this star-studded event.

The Festival will be even bigger and better than last year’s event. It will once again gather authors, experts, actors and literature lovers for a day celebrating the written word, set against the magical backdrop of Hampton Court Palace.

The line-up

This year, the star-studded line-up includes stars of Harry Potter Miriam Margolyes and Helena Bonham Carter, thrill-writer Harlan Coben and a special musical showcase of the musical comedy Operation Mincemeat.

Great Hall

11:00 – 12:00: Tracy Borman: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History

12:30 – 13:30: Golden Age Mystery: Rev Richard Coles

14:30 – 15:30: The Women of WWII: Kate Mosse

Cartoon Gallery

11:00 – 12:00: The Ethical Novelist: Bernardine Evaristo in conversation with Elif Shafak

12:30 – 13:30: On the Classics: Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides

14:30 – 15:30: Thrilling and Chilling: Harlan Coben and Mick Herron

Main Stage

11:00 – 12:00: Operation Mincemeat: Highlights and Q&A

12:30 - 13:30: The Perfect Crime: with Ian Rankin, Lee Child and Ann Cleeves

14:30 – 15:30: William Sieghart presents his Poetry Pharmacy: featuring Dame Harriet Walters and Helena Bonham Carter

20:00 – 21:30: What the Dickens! Miriam Margolyes and Friends

Tudor Tour

15:30 - 16:30: Tudor Tour with Tracy Borman

Step back in time through the corridors of power where Tudor monarchs once held court and discover the secrets of one of England's most iconic royal residences. Led by esteemed historian, author and broadcaster Dr Tracy Borman, this exclusive Tudor tour of Hampton Court Palace offers a unique and unforgettable addition to your festival schedule. 

For daytime sessions, all attendees must buy a Hampton Court Palace grounds pass. This will allow access to the grounds from 10:00-16:00. For the Main Stage evening show: What the Dickens! Miriam Margolyes and Friends, a grounds pass is not required.