WELCOME to the website of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. The chapel is a living and vibrant church, located at the heart of one of Europe’s largest and most historic palaces. It is also the spiritual home of the Order of Companions of Honour. In these pages, you can discover more about the history and life of this chapel, as well as the latest services and music.
The Chapel Royal was not originally a building but a body of priests and singers that traditionally accompanied the monarch wherever he or she went. Only later did the buildings this body used become known by that name. Today, as well as Hampton Court, there are chapels at The Tower of London, and St James’s Palace, which is now the headquarters of the Chapel Royal. Services in all of Her Majesty’s chapels are based on those from the Book of Common Prayer.
The Chapel Royal has an unrivalled continued tradition of choral music. Many of the greatest English composers have worked and composed pieces in and for the Chapel, Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, and Purcell among them. Today many of our services are enhanced by music, sung by our renowned choir of men and boys.
Everyone is welcome to attend the regular services held in the Chapel Royal Hampton Court, and to worship in a place where monarchs, statesmen, and countless others have done for centuries.
Canon Anthony Howe, Chaplain
The Chapel Royal is a living, vibrant church with heavenly music, located at the heart of the historic palace. Everyone is welcome to attend the sung religious services at the Chapel Royal or to visit the place where Kings and Queens have worshipped for centuries.
The Chapel is located on the ground floor and has level access so should not present problems for visitors with mobility difficulties. Wheelchair hire is available.
If you are concerned about accessing the Chapel then don’t hesitate to let us know that you will be coming, and we can help you make necessary arrangements.
On the main HRP website, you can read more details on accessibility at Hampton Court Palace.
The Choral Foundation preserves and promotes the unique heritage of English choral music at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace and makes it accessible to all.
By making a gift to the Choral Foundation you will ensure that music, 500 years in the making, is kept alive for future generations.
Click here to read about how you can become part of this living history.
All photographs of the Chapel Royal or taken in the Chapel Royal are with the gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen.
Copyright © HM Chapel Royal and The Choral Foundation 2011-2019. You may not use any imagery on this website without permission.
Photography by Richard Champness
Website designed and maintained by Richard Lewis.
The Chapel Royal
Hampton Court Palace
KT8 9AU