[Her Majesty the Queen leaving the Holburne Museum with Chris Stephens, Museum Director and Edward Bayntun-Coward DL, Chair of Museum.]
Down here in the Canaries l have missed out in all the excitement amongst the city’s cultural sector with a visit from Her Majesty the Queen.
I am aware she visited the Theatre Royal to officially launch their new performance space, but it’s The Holburne that has sent me pictures directly of her visit.
Here’s their account of that occasion.
Her Majesty The Queen visited the Holburne today (17 February 2026), as part of a series of engagements showcasing arts and culture in the city of Bath.
Her Majesty the Queen arriving at the Holburne Museum, being greeted by Museum Director Chris Stephens.
Greeted by the Chair of the Museum Edward Bayntun-Coward and Director of the Holburne, Dr Chris Stephens, the Queen spent an hour touring our historic collections and temporary exhibitions which have recently opened.
The Queen admiring the Schroder Gallery and its Renaissance artifacts, with Timothy Schroder, silver expert and cousin of Leonie Schroder.
Starting on the lower ground floor, The Queen was guided around our new Schroder Gallery, which presents one of the finest private collections of Renaissance silverware, paintings, bronzes, majolica and gems from the Schroder family collection.
Curator Rosemary Harden giving Her Majesty the Queen a tour of the exhibition ‘Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print.’
On the first floor, Her Majesty toured the exhibition Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print, a display celebrating the colourful garments of one of Britain’s most influential fashion designers, before being shown round a display of black and white photographs by renowned photojournalist Don McCullin.
Don McCullin and Her Majesty the Queen viewing the exhibition ‘Don McCullin: Broken Beauty.’
Her Majesty also viewed The Shape of Care, a group exhibition created by the local community. The Queen met some of the participants who created works of art on display, reflecting on the importance of care.
The Queen meeting the staff and participants who co-curated the Shape of Care exhibition.
Participant Debbie said “Brilliant, when I was homeless 10 years ago at my lowest of low, I never thought I’d be doing anything like this. It’s a wonderful experience to be involved in.”
Dr Chris Stephens, Director of the Museum said, “It was a true honour to welcome Her Majesty the Queen back to the Holburne. I was extremely proud to showcase the dedication and achievements of my staff and our amazing team of volunteers who make the Holburne a welcoming and inspiring space for everyone.”
Wonderful boost for the Holbourne.
Creativity amongst creatures and the human kind feel and act so much better when we are able to express our creativity.
Thank you Queen Camilla for visiting and showing your keen interest in the Arts.
Thank you to everyone that makes the Holbourne so special to the people of Bath and to our special visitors who come off the beaten track to enjoy such a wonderful and thriving Museum.