“We’ve got to be honest — we need your help,” begins the statement from Historic Royal Palaces. Operating as a self-funded charity during the lockdown has seen the organisation lose 85% of its income.

£95 million has been torn away from its budgets, which is all the more stark when the charity explains that it spent £37 million solely on conservation and maintenance in the last financial year.

With plans afoot to reopen parts of Hampton Court Palace and Hills Castle this week, the organisation – like so many others across the sector – knows that pre-booked ticket sales can provide a modicum of certainty at this financially volatile time.

“The collapse of international tourism as a result of the pandemic means we’ve got a long way to go until we can hope to fully recover,” Historic Royal Palaces stated in its address to prospective visitors.

“We urgently need your support. By booking a visit, becoming an HRP member, buying from our online shop or making a donation, you can help us protect the palaces, so that future generations can enjoy these wonderful old places for centuries to come.”

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