Hever Castle, the historic childhood home of Anne Boleyn, has officially opened its highly anticipated “Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn” exhibition, offering visitors an immersive look into the life, legacy, and enduring fascination surrounding one of England’s most iconic queens.
The exhibition, which opened to the public this month, drew leading historians, Tudor scholars, and cultural commentators to an exclusive after-hours preview. Developed from original research, it brings together the largest-ever collection of portraits and likenesses associated with Anne Boleyn, presenting fresh perspectives on how her image has been interpreted and reimagined over more than 500 years – from Tudor panel paintings to modern reinterpretations.
Among those attending were some of the country’s most respected Tudor experts, who shared their impressions on social media:
“Anne Boleyn’s face is perhaps one of the most famous faces in history. So many of us are obsessed by Anne Boleyn … I have never seen so many portraits of Anne Boleyn in one space before. New research is suggesting that maybe we need to look a bit harder at them – that we’re seeing something that relates more to her daughter, Elizabeth I, and that there’s a significance in the Hever Rose portrait with these hands.”
“I was privileged to be at the launch of the wonderful exhibition of Anne Boleyn’s portraits at Hever Castle. Not to be missed, with so many of them on display. An amazing evening!”
Curated by Dr Owen Emmerson and the team at Hever Castle, the exhibition not only showcases rare portraits believed to depict Anne but also encourages visitors to engage critically with the evidence and interpretative choices behind each image – offering a rare opportunity to question what we think we “know” about one of England’s most debated queens.
Visitors can explore a rich collection of portraits and artefacts. A highlight allows guests to vote for the portrait group they believe best represents Anne Boleyn. Hever Castle will track and share the results throughout the year, offering fascinating insight into how the public perceives one of history’s most discussed figures.
Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn will remain on display to the public until 2nd January 2027, presenting a unique blend of historical inquiry, artistic interpretation, and cultural storytelling that celebrates Anne Boleyn’s enduring legacy.
Press Coverage
The launch of Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn has attracted widespread attention across national and local media outlets, highlighting both the exhibition’s historical significance and recent research about the ‘Hever Rose’ portrait.
Together, this coverage underscores how Capturing a Queen is sparking conversation across broadcast, online, and cultural media – from local Kent radio to national press and reaching audiences with fresh stories about one of history’s most enduring figures.
Images Credit Oliver Dixon Photography
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
