Six Queens, one King and his Ship

The Mary Rose was Henry VIII’s favourite and most personal ship, commissioned when he was a young man to celebrate his coronation alongside Katherine of Aragon, and sailing until the twilight years of his reign and marriage to his final wife, Katherine Parr. The ship was therefore witness to each of his six Queens, and their story is inevitably bound to the story of The Mary Rose.

This July, the Mary Rose will host a two-day fundraising event to help raise funds for the continuing work of the Trust.  It will see a unique gathering of leading Tudor historians each telling the story of one of Henry’s Queens. Alongside the day of talks on the 18 July, there will be a commemoration of the sinking of The Mary Rose on the 19 July with a Service of Remembrance at the twelfth century Portsmouth Cathedral, followed by a boat trip to the wreck site in The Solent.

With strictly limited capacities across all ticket tiers of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum (£60, £250, £500, £1000), this is an unmissable weekend of inspiration designed for those who value heritage and want to discover more.

Each ticket purchase will aid the conservation, research and educational work of The Mary Rose Trust.  Our purpose is to be an authentic Tudor time capsule that inspires future generations.  We look forward to welcoming you either in person or online in support of this event.

Weekend Programme of Events

Saturday 18 July 

Day of Lectures, Panel discussions and Q & A sessions

(Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers)

Princess Royal Gallery, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Chaired by Prof Suzannah Lipscomb

Curated by Dr Estelle Paranque

Join us either online or in person for this rare opportunity to hear from the foremost experts in Tudor history, each offering fresh insight into the women whose lives shaped a dynasty, featuring:

• Dr Charlotte Bolland (National Portrait Gallery) — Katherine of Aragon
• Dr Estelle Paranque — Anne Boleyn
• Dr Elizabeth Norton — Jane Seymour
• Dr Owen Emmerson — Anne of Cleves
• Gareth Russell — Catherine Howard
• Dr Linda Porter — Katherine Parr

This day is designed for those who appreciate specialist expertise and the rare chance to engage with contemporary historians shaping modern Tudor research.  There will be a chance to talk to the historians and to purchase signed books and merchandise.

An Intimate Evening Dinner in the Mary Rose Museum

(Platinum and Gold tiers)

As the sun sets across the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, guests will gather for an exclusive supper overlooking the preserved hull of Henry VIII’s beloved flagship. This will be a night to remember in a setting unlike any other, supported by our Tudor historians and senior members of the Trust’s staff. This is a highlight of the weekend and potentially, a bucket list contender.

Sunday 19 July

Morning Service of Remembrance at Portsmouth Cathedral

(Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers)

The weekend continues with reserved seating for a moving service at Portsmouth Cathedral, honouring the men who served aboard the Mary Rose.  An Act of Remembrance will take place around the grave of the Mary Rose sailor (interred in the Cathedral in 1984). Members of the TS Mary Rose Sea Cadets will take part in the Service, where Dominic Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the Mary Rose, will lay a wreath on behalf of the Mary Rose Trust.

The service will include readings by:

• Prof Suzannah Lipscomb
• Dr Estelle Paranque

This moment of reflection anchors the weekend in its true purpose: remembrance, gratitude, and the preservation of history.

Afternoon Wreck Site Boat Trip

(Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers)

Commemoration at the Wreck Site

The weekend concludes with a deeply meaningful journey to the site where the Mary Rose was lost. Guests will travel by boat to the wreck location, accompanied by the Dean of Portsmouth Cathedral who will lead a prayer of remembrance.

Ticket Package Tiers

With limited availability at each level, early booking is essential.  General Ticket sale opens soon.