Over the centuries, Britain’s countryside has been heavily influenced, and even shaped, by its monarchs. Kings and queens have built castles and palaces, founded towns, conquered regions and marked out royal hunting estates over vast swathes of land. With perhaps the most active and prominent monarchy in Europe, many of these places still resound to the pomp and ceremony of a royal head of state.
As the nation celebrates Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne, we’re taking the opportunity to explore the landscapes and stories of these royal domains – most of which have footpath access or are opening specially to mark the occasion.
On page 85, we start a series of walks on royal estates, and it’s fantastic to realise that we can all walk freely within, at least part of, the grounds of Sandringham, Balmoral and other famed locations. We’re also taking a fascinating journey through the heart of royal history in England – along the River Thames (page 18). For centuries, this mighty waterway acted as a royal road between fortresses and palaces; it witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta as well as coups and coronations. Looking to the future, on page 68 Richard Baynes examines the case for the royal estates to lead the way in the rewilding movement and make greater efforts to support wildlife across Britain.

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