The Princess of Wales is such a sartorial icon, leaning into elegant silhouettes, beautifully sculpted suits, and classic tailoring for her usual public appearances. However, for the 2026 BAFTA Awards, her stunning Gucci gown took a far more ethereal turn. With layers of flowing chiffon in an ombre palette of soft mauve, and a deep plum velvet bandeau around the waist to echo the Prince of Wales' tuxedo jacket, she looked so chic and effortlessly stylish.

The way she wore this unexpected and 80s-coded color with such grace and elegance got me thinking how it might just be the perfect hue for my home, all thanks to the clever layering.

Charlotte Olby, Homes & Gardens' Style and Trends Editor, says: 'I think mauve is one of those shades people underestimate, but it’s actually incredibly versatile once you understand the undertones. Red-based mauves feel warm and relaxed, which makes them great for bedrooms or anywhere you want softness, while bluer mauves read cooler and more tailored – ideal for living rooms or spaces with darker woods and metal finishes.'

Below, I've rounded up some mauve pieces for the home – including a stylish wingback chair from Target – which tap into the Princess of Wales' beautifully ethereal look, as well as advice on how to make this whimsical shade work in your home.

Mauve Decor Inspired by Catherine, Princess of Wales' BAFTAs Dress

Mauve can be a beautiful choice for a bedroom color scheme as it's soothing without being too saccharine. One way to keep the scheme feeling grown-up as opposed to girly, is to introduce variations in the shade from softest lilac, to a dusty rose and deep plum – darker accent shade, like the Princess of Wales' belt, in a heavier fabric, like rich velvet really helps to anchor the scheme in a chic palette.

Keep things light and ethereal with sheer drapes – West Elm's pleated linen flax curtains are a more structured alternative to floaty organza and allow some light to shine through. Making the most of the natural light brings a warmth to a mauve scheme as the sunlight will play on tone with materials that have natural sheen and shimmer, such as velvet or silks.

Another tip is to layer textures such as luxe bedspreads, throw pillows in shimmering or embellished fabrics, or vintage-style rugs, like this Ziva Rug from Rugs USA. Keep the base color light, add in a few mid-range pieces, then just a scattering of darker accents, so as not to overwhelm the room.

'Personally, I like to treat mauve like a neutral, just one with a bit more personality,' adds Charlotte. 'Pair it with grounding or contrasting elements in the scheme so it feels chic rather than overly sweet.'

For a variation on this look, consider decorating with purple for a richer scheme, or decorating a room pink for a lighter touch.

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The world may have looked to Windsor Castle for news of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s dinner with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender (during their state visit to the UK). However, here at Homes & Gardens, we can’t get past their pre-dinner portrait – or, more specifically, the Christmas tree seen in the backdrop.

The fairy-tale-style portrait, taken by photographer Alex Bramall at Frogmore House (a royal residence near the castle), shows the couple standing close together in front of a twinkling, well-curated tree that oozes quiet regency.

While the couple could have designed a spectacular display that screams luxury, their understated choice is indisputably chicer. It’s a reminder that the most timeless Christmas decor ideas are those that don’t overwhelm a space. Instead, they feel subtly festive while remaining celebratory.

With glass ornaments, delicate string lights, and a silver tree topper (similar to this one from Target), the Prince and Princess have perfectly achieved a rare balance of festivity and style, and you can do the same.

Shop the Look

To me, the elegance of Prince William and Princess Catherine's display lies in its restraint, proving that Christmas decor need not be ostentatious to make an impact.

By focusing on quality over quantity and choosing elements that complement rather than compete with one another, they demonstrate how thoughtful layering of textures, muted tones, and classic shapes can create a cohesive, inviting atmosphere that can be easily recreated far beyond the castle walls. Their approach ensures a festive display that feels both polished and timeless, capturing the essence of quiet luxury that impresses year after year.

Prince William and Princess Kate have been through an incredibly difficult 18 months, and it’s no surprise, therefore that they’re looking for a fresh start on the home front to mark the next phase of their lives together.

After a decade of shifting between homes, the couple is leaving the pink-walled Adelaide Cottage for Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion hidden inside Windsor Great Park. With its classical proportions, sash windows, and sweeping drive, it’s certainly grand – the house is being billed as their “forever base,” even once William takes the throne.

Forest Lodge marks the end of a series of moves, typical of young families. In the past ten years alone, William and Kate have gone from Anglesey, where they lived as newlyweds in a modest farmhouse while William flew helicopters, to Kensington Palace, where Apartment 1A became their London base, to Anmer Hall in Norfolk for family life in the country.

Their 2022 move to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor was seen by many as a down-to-earth retreat (it’s all relative, of course). It’s compact by royal standards, with a pretty pastel exterior and just four bedrooms.

Forest Lodge is a different story and sets the family up for years to come – including William’s future ascension. The scale alone makes it a statement of permanence. Where Adelaide was cottage-cozy, Forest Lodge is all Georgian symmetry, high ceilings, and formal gardens – the sort of home designed to carry a family through generations. It also signals how the next King and Queen envision their domestic life – a more laid-back location than Central London, mixing grandeur with privacy.

That privacy comes at a cost. A vast “no-go zone” has been enforced around the estate, blocking off miles of Windsor Great Park and angering locals. Yet the Waleses appear set on turning Forest Lodge into their anchor, with Anmer Hall remaining their country bolt-hole and Kensington Palace reserved for official duties.

This move also throws Buckingham Palace’s future into question. King Charles has made no secret of his dislike of the palace as a home, preferring Clarence House in London and the lived-in comfort of Highgrove and Balmoral to the famous 18th-century Palace.

Renovations will keep it uninhabitable for years, and William is expected to follow his father’s lead, keeping the Palace as a ceremonial and administrative headquarters rather than a family residence.

And then there’s Harry, who has spent much of September beginning to rebuild bridges with his father and brother on a London visit. Yet the approach the two brothers take to their homes couldn’t be more different. While his brother embraces Georgian grandeur, Harry and Meghan’s California life is all pared-back, “Cali cool” styling – white walls, olive trees, sprawling outdoor spaces. Their Montecito mansion is a far cry from Windsor’s formality, with Meghan’s kettle making its way into lifestyle inboxes rather than glimpses of gilded drawing rooms.

The contrast couldn’t be starker. One brother is reshaping the royal map of Britain, settling his family into the leafy permanence of Windsor Great Park. The other is half a world away, exporting his own brand of casual luxury. Together, they mark the biggest royal shake-up in decades – not just in where the royals live, but in the very style of how they choose to live.

Over the last week, Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom, Grade II-listed Georgian mansion, became the most talked-about home on the internet. Not least, because it has some new tenants: The Prince and Princess of Wales.

The Windsor Park property, which is part of the Crown Estate (and remains under the ownership of King Charles III), will reportedly serve as the family's 'forever home,' meaning they will continue living there when William ascends to the throne. There's no doubt, therefore, that the home is one of the most special properties in Great Britain (and one of the finest royal residences worldwide). So what sets it aside? Let's take a look.

Firstly, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Forest Lodge has a rich history, dating back to the Georgian era. The home, originally known as Holly Grove, was constructed between 1772 and 1782 under the architect Thomas Sandby.

This was his principal surviving architectural work, with the familiar nine-bay front and flanking wings that still define it today.

While Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children have resided in the nearby Adelaide Cottage since 2022, reports say they will relocate to Forest Lodge by the end of 2025.

Sources say it’s a ‘fresh start’ and is intended to provide more space and privacy for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who attend a school nearby. The couple is said to be personally funding the renovations and paying rent in their new home, avoiding the use of public funds.

Upgrades include replacement windows, new flooring, and adaptation or enhancements to at least one fireplace around the house. These changes are said to be light upgrades designed to modernize their home for living, while maintaining historic charm, and ensuring comfort, without altering its architectural heritage.

Alongside the aforementioned fireplaces, the home features a trove of period features, including Flemish-bond brickwork, Venetian windows, and a dramatic half-barrel vaulted ceiling in the entrance hall. Notable spaces include a principal drawing room connected to a central hall, and a ballroom that will serve as a spectacular place to entertain.

Outside, the amenities are just as impressive. There's a tennis court (which is said to be favored by Catherine and Charlotte, who enjoy the sport), alongside a pond, a small lake, and a paddock. Historical records also mention a garden designed by landscape artist Humphry Repton, though its current presence is unconfirmed.

We await glimpses of Prince William and Princess Catherine's decorating choices as they make Forest Lodge their home. However, in the meantime, you can read up on their official residence, Kensington Palace, in this book below.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have, today, shared a new rose, named in Princess Catherine's honor. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced 'Catherine’s Rose' will raise money to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping patients across the UK 'live well with, and beyond, cancer'.

The princess, who shared her cancer diagnosis in March last year, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy and announced in September that she had finished her treatment.

In January, she paid a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was treated and revealed she was in remission. Today, the Prince and Princess announced the rose stems from the 'joy' gardening provides during difficult times.

'Spending time in nature has always been a source of comfort and strength. Gardens and green spaces provide not only beauty and joy, but also vital support for our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing,' they say.

The floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses, has coral-pink blooms and a soft scent that's reminiscent of Turkish Delight and mango.

The RHS says it is easy to grow in most environments, where it will attract pollinators. It will also look beautiful in a mixed border, as part of a hedge, in a large container on your patio or terrace.

'As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, ‘Catherine’s Rose’ will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal,' comments Clare Matterson, the director general of the RHS. 'We know how important this message is as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.'

Philip Harkness, Managing Director, Harkness Roses, adds: 'We’re delighted the RHS is naming this stunning floribunda rose for The Princess of Wales, celebrating wellness and nature. It is a privilege for Harkness Roses to work with The Royal Marsden, where donations of this beautiful rose will help raise funds for this vital charity.'

With its beautiful scent and deep pink hue, Catherine's rose is our new summer garden must-have. Whichever rose you're planting, however, you can set yourself up for sucsess with our care essentials. Shop our hand-picked must-haves below.

Shop H&G's rose care essentials

In their move from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage, it is reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton have downsized, according to a royal insider, who has revealed that the couple's new four-bedroom home is one room smaller than their previous suites. 

Adelaide Cottage is one of many royal residences used by senior royals who wish to take a step away from the public eye and maintain privacy in their personal lives. The move was completed earlier this fall before their three children started school, but it has been revealed that the home is perhaps not as large as they were used to. 

With the family set to make yet another move to Windsor Castle at some point in the next year, we take a look at the humble cottage that currently houses the heirs to the throne. 

While a splendid cottage with four bedroom ideas may sound like a luxury to anybody else, the smaller property means that the couple will likely have had to break with royal tradition – marking yet another change in the royal protocol as King Charles decided against Buckingham Palace for his new home earlier this year.

According to tradition, each royal family member has their own bedroom, with suites at Kensington Palace boasting two master suites for the Prince and Princess respectively. 

The aristocracy 'always have separate bedrooms,' Lady Pamela Hicks, Prince Phillips's cousin and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, once said. 'In England, the upper class always had separate bedrooms. You don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around.'

'It is lovely to be able to choose,' she had added. 

Unless two of their three children are sharing a room, it is likely that the couple will have to forgo this tradition and the tradition of maintaining a live-in nanny in their new Berkshire abode. 

4 things to know about Adelaide Cottage

As with any historic home, Adelaide cottage has its own long – and at times scandalous, past. We take a look.

1. Nearly 200 years old, the cottage is still a wondrous piece of architecture

The 19th century, grade II listed cottage is famously one of the most private of the royal houses, with very few pictures of the exterior of the cottage to be found and no cameras allowed inside of the home – with the exception of the blooming photographer Kate Middleton's, of course. 

Despite its 'humble' size, however, the cottage is not short of royal flare, with extensive renovations in 2015 reportedly maintaining a Graeco-Egyptian fireplace, gilded dolphin motifs on the bedroom ceiling ideas, and rope decorations from a 19th-century royal yacht. Erected in a picturesque style, the building has been described throughout history as 'chastely elegant', and originally contained spaces such as two public rooms, a retiring room, and a pages room. The wondrous architecture means the property can be found on the protected National Heritage list.

Such grand decorations are perhaps to be expected given the cottage's prime location on the grounds of Home Park on the Windsor Estate. Built in 1831 for William IV's wife, Queen Adelaide, the cottage is often described as an idyllic upscale 'grace and favor' home, given to close friends and family as a token of love and gratitude. 

The stucco façade, sculptural chimneys, and period fireplaces shall remain untouched in the protected home due to both the nature of the properties listing, and the previous uproar of the British taxpayers after the renovations at the neighboring Frogmore Cottage, owned by Prince Harry and Meghan.

Luckily for William and Kate, they will continue their ownership of apartment 1a at Kensington Palace when they commute to London for royal engagements. They also maintain their ownership of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate, a countryside escape that the young family has grown incredibly fond of.

2. The cottage has been home royal scandal

While the cottage is now seen as a splendid family home, its past is a little more sordid.

The royal family is infamous for some scandals they would rather forget, one of which being the unsavory affair between the divorced Captain Peter Wooldridge Townsend, a Royal Airforce officer, and the late Queen's sister, Princess Margaret. A relationship the royals attempted to keep under wraps for many years with Townsend residing in the cottage.

It was not until King Charles' marriage to the then-divorced Camilla Parker Bowles that divorcees were welcomed into the royal fold, making the princess's brief engagement one that cast a long shadow over the family for many years until Margaret was forced to end the relationship.

3. The architect is also responsible for Windsor Castle's most iconic features

Architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville was not only entrusted to design and oversee the picturesque cottage by King George IV, but also extensive renovations to the nearby Windsor castle. 

Wyatville added many of the castle's iconic features such as the towers, turrets, and crenelations that give the castle its distinctly gothic appearance – a far cry from the idyllic and quaint cottage, demonstrating the extraordinary architect's range. Wyatville is also the mastermind behind the Waterloo Chamber, a masterful celebration of the defeat of the French at the end of the Napoleonic wars in the Battle of Waterloo. 

The Waterloo Chamber is now one of the highlights of the Windsor Castle tour. 

4. Ever a family for sustainability, the cottage was formed from reclaimed materials

The modern royal family is famous for its efforts toward sustainability and it looks as if the lineage has not changed much in the last century. 

According to Jane Robert's book Royal Landscape: The Gardens and Parks of Windsor (now out of print), the cottage was constructed using old parts reclaimed from the original Royal Lodge that had been demolished in 1830. The veranda, french windows, roof tiles, and chimney are amongst the parts salvaged, Robert's claims, along with some of the lodge's original furniture. 

Has Adelaide Cottage been renovated?

Adelaide Cottage underwent a series of major renovations in 2015, the first since 1955, that brought the home up to modern standards and converted the property into a comfortable four-bedroom home with grand royal touches such as ceilings covered in gilded dolphins and a marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace.

Who owns Frogmore Cottage in Windsor?

Frogmore Cottage is currently owned by the crown but is being leased by Prince Harry and Megan. The couple currently spend most of their time in the US with their two children, however, so the property is currently in use by Princes Eugenie and her husband.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 marked a significant shift in the British royal family. Her son, Charles III, became King of the United Kingdom –meaning his eldest son, William, ascended to the position of the Prince of Wales. 

The former Duke of Cambridge and his wife, Catherine (formally the Duchess of Cambridge, now the Princess of Wales), recently made headlines following their move to Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire – near Windsor Castle – the famous royal residence that belonged to the late Her Majesty. However, despite moving to the country, William and Catherine are expected to keep their most recent residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace.

Where is Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. The estate is one of the grandest in the British capital and is one of the world's best homes – featuring 107 hectares of garden and a mansion with a rich royal history. 

What is Kensington Palace famous for?

The royal residence is best known as the official home of William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, it has housed other notable royals since its completion by Sir George Coppin in 1605. Queen Victoria enjoyed the palace's regal decorating ideas at the start of her life (when she was Princess Alexandrina Victoria), and she was baptized in the Cupola Room (pictured above).

In recent history, Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon (Queen Elizabeth II's sister), and her husband, the Earl of Snowdon, moved into Apartment 10 before undergoing a large renovation in the early 1960s.

The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, also lived in Kensington Palace during their marriage. It remained Diana's official residence following their divorce until her death in 1997. There is a statue of Princess  Diana in the palace gardens. 

Prince William and Harry spent their childhood in the palace, which remains the official home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Is Kensington Palace open to public?

Yes, the State Rooms are open to the public, but there are some offices and accommodation areas that remain private for the family.

The palace exhibits a host of paintings and other objects from the Royal Collection that are displayed to visitors. 

Beyond the State Rooms, Princess Catherine commissioned designer Ben Pentreath to decorate their apartment in 2017. The London-based designer, admired for quintessential yet playful home decor ideas, had already worked with Charles on the Duchy of Cornwall estate and the Royal Pavilion in Poundbury in Dorchester. His clientele also includes actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Liv Tyler. 

Who lives in Kensington Palace now?

The Prince and Princess of Wales will likely keep their apartment in Kensington Palace, despite moving to the Berkshire town of Windsor in southeast England.

You can visit Kensington Palace at Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to move into the late Her Majesty The Queen's Windsor Castle home, taking on new roles with their change in status and seniority after the recent death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

It was a bestowment we knew was coming: On the day of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Prince William and Kate Middleton changed their social media bios from 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall' to 'The Prince and Princess of Wales', inferring that a transfer of titles from Charles to William had already begun to take place.

In a recent television address to the nation, King Charles III also confirmed that his son 'will undertake the responsibilities of the Duchy of Cornwall.' The Duchy of Cornwall is a working 150,000-acre estate in England complete with its own organic food company – and a multimillion-dollar income. The revenue from the Duchy pays for much of the private expenses of the royal family, including wardrobes and extra security.

Where is Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. Unsurprisingly, Windsor Castle is one of the world's best homes and is surrounded by magnificent gardens and parklands, much of which can be accessed by the public.

What is the history of Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It was built in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror and took 16 years to complete. Since the reign of Henry I (1100–1135), it has been home to 40 monarchs, including our late HM Queen Elizabeth II, who counted it among one of her favorite royal residences.

Whilst the castle was originally meant to serve as a defensive structure, its prime location next to a hunting ground attracted King Henry I, who began using it as a residence, and it has been lived in by every monarch since then. 

By modern times the castle had become so inextricably linked with the royal family that when during the First World War George V decided to change the family name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (acquired when Victoria married the German prince Albert) to something more British, the name he chose was Windsor.

Over its lengthy history, the Castle has undergone extensive renovations, including restoration work after a fire broke out in 1992, mostly paid for using the proceeds made by opening the castle and Buckingham Palace up to the public. The areas that were most badly damaged, such as St George’s Hall, were redesigned in a modern gothic style, while the other parts were restored to the condition in which George IV had left them.

Windsor Castle occupies 13 acres and hosts over a million visitors a year. It’s also the resting place of many deceased monarchs and royal family members, including Henry VIII, his third and favorite wife Jane Seymour, Princess Margaret, and the Queen Mother, who passed away in 2002.

Who lives in Windsor Castle now?

Today the castle is still used as a residence for the royal family, and it will be the future home of the Prince and Princess of Wales. HM Queen Elizabeth II spent many of her private weekends there – she is believed to have preferred it to Buckingham Palace – and chose to reside here officially over the Easter period. 

The castle is by all definitions a working palace, with even St George’s Chapel being used for daily services. Windsor also plays host to important guests, which can include political leaders as well as heads of Commonwealth nations

Will the Prince and Princess of Wales live in Windsor Castle?

It is believed that the Prince and Princess of Wales will delay moving into Windsor Castle in order to avoid more upheaval for their children after moving house just a week ago, according to royal sources.

The royal couple had hoped to bring a semblance of normality to their three children’s lives by living in the four-bedroomed Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate, and carrying out daily school runs to Lambrook School, an independent preparatory school.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be highly aware their youngsters have experienced a house move, starting a new school, and the death of their ‘Gan-Gan’ in only a matter of a week.

From castles and palaces to country manors, the UK has plenty of famous homes that people love to visit and photograph. But which are the most popular stately homes in Britain?

To find out Britain’s best-loved homes, comparethemarket.com analysed Instagram hashtag data to reveal which buildings were photographed the most.

See:These are the most popular interior design trends in the UK

Chris King, head of home insurance at comparethemarket.com, commented: 'Great Britain is home to some of the world’s most stunning stately homes and castles, and a visit to one of these beautiful, historic homes makes for a great day out.

'With lockdown easing here in the UK and guidelines on travelling abroad changing regularly, more people are opting for days out and ‘staycations’. Walking around the grounds of a stately manor is a great way to get outside and explore somewhere new, all while being able to distance yourself from big crowds. Just remember to check whether you need to book before you turn up, so you aren’t disappointed.

'There’s so much history to delve into when visiting a castle or stately home, with centuries of royal figures having lived in these buildings. Our research shows that people are appreciating the beauty of these homes, as well as the stories behind them, with thousands of people taking to Instagram to share their best pictures from their visits.'

1. BUCKINGHAM PALACE

As the official London residence of the Queen, the palace is possibly the most famous home in the UK, attracting millions of visitors every year. Built: 1703.

2. TOWER OF LONDON

Famous for hosting notable prisoners such as Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes, the Princes in the Tower, and even the Kray twins. Built: 1078

3. KENSINGTON PALACE

As a royal residence, the palace has been home to many well-known royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, who live there currently. Built: 1605

See: The most popular interiors on Homes & Gardens Instagram

4. WINDSOR CASTLE

The castle served as a refuge for the royal family during WWII when much of London was targeted in bombing campaigns. Today, it is often used by Elizabeth II as a weekend home. Built: 1070

5. HAMPTON COURT PALACE

First serving as a home for Henry VIII, it is now known for its gardens and grounds, which feature a maze as well as being home to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Built: 1515

6. BLENHEIM PALACE

This palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, is best known for being the birthplace and home of former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Built: 1705

See:The 10 best National Trust gardens for a picture-perfect day trip

7. WARWICK CASTLE

Originally built as a wooden fort by William the Conqueror, the castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. Built: 1068

8. CHATSWORTH HOUSE

The stately home in Bakewell, Derbyshire, has featured in a number of films and TV shows, including Pride & Prejudice, The Crown, and Peaky Blinders. Built: 1687

9. ST MICHAEL'S MOUNT

The castle sits on a tidal island off the coast of Cornwall called Mount's Bay, which is cut off from the mainland during high tide. Built: 12th century.

See:This is the UK's most Instagrammed National Trust house

10. LEEDS CASTLE

The castle served as a home for Catherine of Aragon, before acting as a prison and an arsenal during the English Civil War. Built: 1119

About the show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world's most prestigious and famous gardening event, returns on 21 – 25 May 2019.

The Chelsea Flower Show has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London every year since 1913, apart from gaps during the two World Wars. Once Britain's largest flower show (it has now been overtaken by RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show), it is still the most distinguished.

What's on at RHS Chelsea 2019

It wouldn’t be Chelsea without the super-sleek gardens from internationally-renowned designers and 2019 promises to be no exception.

New for this year, Kate Middleton, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, will co-design the RHS Back to Nature Garden with Davies White Landscape Architects.The RHS Back to Nature Garden isinspired by childhood memories triggered by the natural world. It's described as a woodland setting for families and communities to connect with nature and enjoy growing plants to nurture and support their health and wellbeing.

Take a walk along Main Avenue and see leading designers pull out all the stops with world-class Show Gardens in their bid to win an RHS Gold medal and the coveted award for Best Show Garden.

Designer Andy Sturgeon will create a garden inspired by rock formations on an Australian beach in his design for M&G, while Mark Gregory has taken to the canals for inspiration for his Show Garden, Welcome to Yorkshire.

You can also expect to see designers tackling topical issues with their gardens in 2019. Sarah Eberle is exploring how forests are faring in the face of climate change with her design, The Resilience Garden, while Chris Beardshaw will consider sustainability and the potential of a circular economy in The Morgan Stanley Garden.

The popular Artisan Gardens are also making a welcome return. These smaller spaces located in leafy Ranelagh Gardens offer thought-provoking designs that tell a story. Here, find gardens that raise awareness for donkeys, motor neurone disease and land-based education.

Coming back to Chelsea for a second year are the Space to Grow Gardens. Featuring designs sponsored by the likes of CAMFED and Facebook, these gardens will show you how to create showstopping displays with limited space.

The Great Pavilion

Standing proud as the centrepiece of the show, the Great Pavilion houses specialist growers from across the UK, as well as nurseries from overseas who have travelled far and wide to attend the show.

More than 80 exhibitors are lining up to create dazzling displays, with many regular favourites returning to the show, including David Austin Roses, The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies and McBean's Nursery.

This year you’ll be able to experience a walk-through judged garden in the Great Pavilion. The design, created by Tom Dixon and sponsored by IKEA, will be the first like it in the show’s history.

Explore Chelsea after hours

The Chelsea Late is a unique opportunity to stay at the show, long after the crowds have dispersed. Here you can indulge in botanical-inspired cocktails, relax to the sounds of cool jazz and explore the Ranelagh Gardens in a twilight setting.

Things to do at Chelsea 2019

– Visit Show Gardens from top designers, bringing the most innovative ideas to horticulture.The popular Artisan and Space to Grow Gardens also make a welcome return, offering plenty of take-home inspiration.

– Chelsea is celebrating the multitude of benefits that gardening has for health in 2019. Garden designers will explore the positive powers of plants and will tackle hard-hitting issues – from climate change and pollution to mental and physical health.

– Chelsea's Great Pavilion is home to nurseries and growers from all over the globe.

– Head to the Discovery Zone within the Great Pavilion and discover a series of educational and innovative exhibits.

– You can shop until you drop at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show - whether you're after new gardening tools, gifts, or something for your wardrobe.

– For something extra special, discover the show-stopping menu at Raymond Blanc's revolutionary Jardin Blanc.

Show times

Tuesday & Wednesday – RHS Members’ Days (21-22 May 2019) 8am – 8pm

Thursday & Friday (23-24 May 2019) 8am – 8pm

Saturday (25 May 2019) 8am – 5.30pm*

*At 4pm on the last day of the show, the plant sell-off begins.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now.

Visit rhschelsea.seetickets.com

Getting to RHS Chelsea Flower Show

It has been recommend that visitors travel to the show by public transport. To find out more about how to get to the showground by public transport, go to the Transport for London Journey Planner.

Tube

Sloane Square tube station (on the District and Circle Lines) is a 10-minute walk from the showground.

Train

London Victoria is the closest train station to the show.

Shuttle

Transport for London operates a shuttle service from Victoria Station to RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Cycle

Cycle racks are available at Burton’s Court Car Park, opposite the London Gate entrance - postcode SW3 4SR.

Parking

Public parking is available in Battersea Park and must be pre-booked with your tickets.