Secrets of the Royal Palaces

Kate Williams reveals behind-the-scenes tales of the British monarchy's residences, with contributions by royal commentators and ex-staff members, who give the lowdown on the stories that have shaped the modern royal family. Kate begins with Buckingham Palace, the brainchild of George IV, who hired architect John Nash to turn modest Buckingham House into a palace on a grand European scale.

Historian Jonathan Foyle casts his eye over Balmoral.

Some dramatic events have taken place at Windsor Castle, which was built more than 900 years, guided by Edward III and his obsession with tales of Camelot. There is a look at one of the most popular exhibits at Windsor - Queen Mary's Dolls' House - and Kate Williams revisits some of the castle's darker times, including the year when bubonic plague caused Queen Elizabeth to isolate at Windsor, and the death of Prince Albert in 1861.

Kate Williams explores the history of Sandringham in Norfolk, which is one of the few royal residences owned personally by the Windsors. It was purchased in 1861 for the rakish Prince Edward in the hopes he would settle down in the countryside, but instead he turned it into the perfect party palace, with a bowling alley, billiards and endless hunting and shooting. The historian also reveals how Prince Philip once proposed demolishing the place to make way for a more modern replacement, before being forced to relent by the Queen Mother.

A look at the history of Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, which is the family residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, while the programme also hears from a witness to Prince Philip's 2019 car crash near Sandringham, which lead to him handing in his driving licence.

An exploration of the history of Kensington Palace, which is currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Kate Williams also tells the tale of Elizabeth I's make-up, which was so poisonous that it would be illegal today, with her foundation made of lead and vinegar, her rouge from lead carbonate, and her lipstick from ground alabaster, with side-effects including digestive problems and respiratory issues.

A look at the history of Holyrood House in Edinburgh, which is the official royal residence in Scotland and saw bloody struggles for power when it was home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Kate Williams tells the story of a royal tomb raider and his ill-gotten booty from the grave of Charles I.

A look at the Palace of St James, which originally planned by Henry VIII for his second wife Anne Boleyn, but by the time it was finished seven years later, he was on to wife number four. Plus, stories about George IV and his wife Caroline, Robert the Bruce, and Queen Victoria. Last in the series.