The Illustrated Royalty in Britain Spring Edition has Arrived

Published by SPHERE's parent company, Illustrated London News, the spring edition of The Illustrated Royalty in Britain has reached the newsstands this week. As the trees burst into blossom and gardens come alive, this new issue mirrors the energy of the royal calendar in spring and summer—those months when ceremonial splendour, sporting elegance, and time-honoured traditions truly come into their own.

Our spring edition leads with a compelling profile by royal biographer Robert Hardman on HRH The Princess Royal, the famously industrious member of the monarchy, as she approaches her milestone 75th birthday this August. With a schedule that would tire even the most energetic, Princess Anne remains a symbol of commitment and continuity.

Naturally, ‘The Season’ features prominently. We dive into the colour and spectacle of the Chelsea Flower Show and the ever-glamorous Royal Ascot—described as the greatest fashion show on turf. We also take a nostalgic look at the tradition of court presentations and the era of the debutante, offering a window into a bygone world of social ritual.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this issue draws on the extraordinary archive of The Illustrated London News to honour the Royal Family’s contributions during the Second World War—an enduring chapter of national service and leadership.

In keeping with our description of the magazine as a ‘Regal Roam around Britain’, we’ve collaborated once again with acclaimed illustrator Adam Dant—frequently likened to a modern-day Hogarth—who has crafted an intricate, fact-packed map of royal Britain exclusively for this issue. Along the way, readers are treated to glimpses inside Balmoral and St. James’s Palace and a curated guide to must-see royal exhibitions this summer.

We are also proud to continue our partnership with the Royal Warrant Holders Association, shining a spotlight on the craftsmanship and excellence behind British brands that hold the honour of royal endorsement. A new section, ‘By Royal Appointment’, features profiles of individual Warrant Holders from Champagne Bollinger to Taylor's Port and Cole & Son. In addition to highlighting the remarkable work supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST).

Find out what makes a Royal Warrant Holder in this article from the previous issue of The Illustrated Royalty in Britain, and read our article here for a selection of the latest Royal Warrant Holders announced by The Palace in late December 2024.

And, in a lighter moment, we offer a playful tribute to the four-legged companions who’ve won royal affection through the years.

The Illustrated Royalty in Britain is available on newsstands from 1st May. Given the enthusiastic response to our previous editions, we are pleased to announce that this will now be a bi-annual publication, with the next issue arriving in October 2025.