By Royal Appointment
Homes & Antiques|November 2022
The late Queen Elizabeth's visit to the Antiques Roadshow at Hillsborough Castle (Northern Ireland's royal residence) in 2014 marked a career highlight that lives on in the memories of the three experts who met her, says Janet Gleeson
Janet Gleeson
By Royal Appointment

'It was a huge surprise, shrouded by secrecy,’ recalls Paul Atterbury of the first inkling he had that something out of the ordinary was about to happen. A strange phone call from the BBC Antiques Roadshow office had asked if he would be available to travel to Hillsborough a day early. They couldn’t say why, and he was forbidden to discuss this conversation with anyone. It was only a week before the appointed day when the series director Simon Shaw announced the impending royal visit, and confirmed the three experts Paul, Hilary Kay and John Axford who would meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. T will never know why I was picked, but I was very pleased, Paul recalls.

This story is from the November 2022 edition of Homes & Antiques.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2022 edition of Homes & Antiques.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HOMES & ANTIQUESView All
Animal magic
Homes & Antiques

Animal magic

Brought to life in myriad ways, whether printed, woven or embroidered, animals and birds have always been popular motifs in textile design, says Celia Rufey

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024
Bright, bold and BRILLIANT
Homes & Antiques

Bright, bold and BRILLIANT

Small homes don't need to compromise on character. In Nick Kenny's two-up, two-down terrace, natural light, upcycled pieces and colourful accents make a big impact

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024
Petite et chic
Homes & Antiques

Petite et chic

Amanda Grant and Kristian Dean's compact apartment encapsulates the essence of continental country house style

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024
A thrifty MIX
Homes & Antiques

A thrifty MIX

Jill De Búrca's home was once a buy-to-let. Now that she's finally moved in, she has begun to furnish it with a quirky combination of antiques, vintage pieces and high street finds

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024
Scholarly SANCTUARY
Homes & Antiques

Scholarly SANCTUARY

Statement antiques create drama in this one-bedroom former school hall, owned by antiques dealer Jean Hill

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024
HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE - FLORA JAMIESON
Homes & Antiques

HEIRLOOMS OF THE FUTURE - FLORA JAMIESON

The stained glass artist talks to Dominique Corlett about the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and capturing the English countryside at its best

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2024
Armillary sphere
Homes & Antiques

Armillary sphere

The roots of the armillary sphere go back centuries but the design has retained its appeal, and sculptor David Harber creates some of today's most spectacular examples, says Jenny Oldaker

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024
Six of the best HERITAGE RAILWAYS
Homes & Antiques

Six of the best HERITAGE RAILWAYS

Plying an 84-mile round trip route through the Scottish Highlands (current licensing woes willing), the Jacobite Steam Train starts at Fort William and skirts the tallest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, and spectacular beaches on its way to Mallaig.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024
TRAVEL
Homes & Antiques

TRAVEL

48 hours in Stockholm and the best heritage railways.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024
A PERSONAL PASSION
Homes & Antiques

A PERSONAL PASSION

For opera lovers, Glyndebourne Festival is the highlight of the summer, beloved for its magical setting as well as the calibre of its productions. Celia Rufey steps behind the scenes as it celebrates its 90th birthday

time-read
8 mins  |
June 2024