Tales from the PALACE

ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG on delving into the history of the world's most iconic royal residence

- HANNAH DAVIES

BUCKINGHAM PALACE WITH ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG

NEW SATURDAY, 9.15PM, CHANNEL 5 FACTUAL

Alexander Armstrong has taken in the delights of Iceland, South Korea and Sri Lanka for his most recent travelogues. But the Pointless presenter is staying much closer to home this week as he explores the secrets of one of the world’s most famous buildings, Buckingham Palace, for a new Channel 5 docuseries.

Across six episodes, Buckingham Palace follows Alexander and co-hosts JJ Chalmers and Raksha Dave as they trace the history of the regal residence, from its early days as a private country home and the exclusive events thrown by its first royal owners, King George III and Queen Charlotte, in the 18th century to the vast 775-room edifice it is today.

Along the way, there are some remarkable revelations, including the truth about Queen Victoria's rat-infested living quarters and how one party-loving prince almost razed the palace to the ground!

Here, Alexander, 53, shares with us his key finds about the palatial London estate...

What can we expect from the series?

It’s fascinating! It tells the story of the palace’s role in public life and the people who have lived and worked in it from the beginning.