From This is Kent:
TELEVISION presenter David Starkey is set to unveil a rare royal portrait in Hever in March.
The Tudor historian will unveil the 16th century portrait of Henry VIII’s mother Elizabeth of York, which will mark the start of Hever Castle’s celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the famous monarch’s accession to the throne on March 13.
A spokesman for Hever Castle said: “The portrait will form part of the Henry VIII: The Pampered Prince exhibition, which will provide an insight into a mother who spoiled and doted on her son, which had a great affect in shaping Henry VIII, famous for his pursuit of fame, indulgence and women.” Visitors will also see a representation of the complete collection of portraits of the six wives of King Henry VIII.
Hever Castle re-opens on March 1 and is open Wednesdays to Sundays.
That sounds really cool–I can’t wait to see the picture, she’s a really interesting person.
I think most of you guys know my opinion of Starkey and his “discoveries,” so all I will say now is that I am curious to see what new amusement he has uncovered…….
Hurrah for Hever stepping on to the celebration bandwagon! Wonder just how much of Annie One will figure into the castle’s presentation of Henry. After all, if Anne hadn’t caught his eye, Hever wouldn’t really be in the game.
As for the portrait of Henry’s mother, I’d like to know where it has been all this time. I take it the picture isn’t the one usually featured in books?
I wonder if Hever bought this one?
The two most often seen are the NPG one and the similar version in the Royal Collection (there are variations, particularly in the necklace, from the NPG painting).
But there are other copies of it around, particularly in etchings, and I’ve also seen a miniature based on the same. And of course, her tomb effigy. Hopefully there will be more news once the portrait is unveiled and we’ll be able to see. But my guess is that it will be a 17th-19th century copy of the better known “red dress” paintings.