This Morning made a huge change to the latest show as hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were given exclusive access to one of the most famous homes in the world. The hosting duo headed off to Buckingham Palace to host a special episode of the ITV daytime show.
Following a break after the end of Lorraine Kelly's self-titled ITV show, This Morning returned with a revamped set of titles featuring the theme tune being played by a royal band. "This Morning by royal appointment," a message read on screen before the latter part of the message changed to "from Buckingham Palace."
"Well, we've made some entrances in our time but this has got to be one of the most special I would have thought," Phillip was heard saying as a white cab drove into the Palace's grounds to the entrance. Holly laughed and then added: "This is ridiculous! When you think of the people who have driven round in vehicles up to this grand entrance..."
READ MORE: ITV Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley fumes at police guest over pregnant daughter's stolen car
Eventually, the pair emerged from the vehicle and made their way up the steps, which had been decked out with a red carpet, and into the royal residence. Holly, 41, looked stunning a floral, pale yellow dress while her co-host Phillip, 60, looked dapper in a navy blue suit and tie.
After taking viewers on a tour of the Marble Hallway, Phillip and Holly walked into the bow room and then into the garden. Phillip said: "For a central London garden, it is extraordinary how peaceful it is… it really is a tranquil place."
They then returned to the bow room, where Gyles Brandreth was ready and waiting to reflect on his memories of the Royal Family. Speaking about being told off by the Duke of Edinburgh in that very room during a charity event, Gyles said: "I was doing a fundraising speech, I thought it was going really well. I heard a voice behind me going, 'Oh shut up, oh get on with it, we’ve heard this before!' I began a story, I thought a rather good story, but he said, 'This isn’t true! Oh for goodness sake!'"
He added: "It was both amusing and also quite terrifying. He could be great fun, but he could also be quite frightening… always said with a smile on his face." Then, horticulturist David Domoney showed viewers around the Palace's magnificent garden, including 24 rose beds planted for special occasions, such as Prince William’s birth and the Queen and Prince Philip’s Golden Wedding anniversary.
Meanwhile, chef Phil Vickery took viewers inside the Royal Kitchens and met the Royal Household’s Head Chef, Chris Tombling. Chris revealed the preparation behind each Buckingham Palace Garden Party - 20,000 sandwiches, 26,000 cups of tea, plus 20,000 cakes including scones. Talking about the ”meticulous” detail of the sandwich slicing, Phil explained, “They even take off the corners - 20,000 sandwiches!"
Afterwards, Holly and Phil took viewers on a tour of the State Room and into the Picture Gallery. Anna Reynolds from the Royal Collection Trust talked through paintings such as Holbein, Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto before the pair met up with Gok Wan, who unveiled a special item from Her Majesty’s wardrobe - an outfit worn by the Queen at the Diamond Jubilee.
Then, in the music room, Eurovision star Sam Ryder joined Phillip and Holly after being invited to perform at the Platinum Party at the Palace which takes place during the celebratory weekend next week. Sam said: "I’m so happy and so grateful for the opportunity. I’m a bit speechless.. it’s just wicked to experience something like that."
But the tour around parts of Buckingham Palace did cause a few grumbles among This Morning viewers. @MrCellophane121 fumed: "#ThisMorning thinks it appropriate, in a time where we have a #CostOfLivingCrisis, to broadcast from Buckingham Palace. Then again the rich and famous don't care about the people 'beneath'. We're worthless and expendable to them."
@RennoIdson tweeted: "This is actually perverse. There’s people out there struggling to afford to keep warm, and going hungry, while these two are rubbing some out of touch posh family’s wealth and waste in our faces. Sickening. #ThisMorning." @PalfreymanM wrote: "#ThisMorning this tour of the Palace , are we supposed to be impressed by the outrageous wealth? Paintings we never get to see. Etc."
@Loriens_Leaves shared: "#ThisMorning at Buckingham palace is infuriating. Look at everything they have, all that money, all those possessions - whilst the cost of living have the rest of us in crisis mode." @itslinzislife argued: "#ThisMorning relatable as ever. One day discussing food poverty & energy crisis, next day sat in a Palace surrounded by priceless art and jewels."
Others, however, loved the special access the show got. @Ophelia_ButtsUK tweeted: "So Phil and Holly at Buckingham Palace. Will they get the Queen to do #SpinToWin today? #ThisMorning." @W1966Caroline said: "Loving this programme from Buckingham Palace! I’ve got my bunting ready, bring on the Jubilee party!"
@stephan08753634 wrote: "@thismorning great show today from Buckingham Palace & then back in the Studio with the ladies." @Nean61170806 added: "@thismorning What a fabulous reception. Absolutely loved the show from #BuckinghamPalace today. Great seeing the Palace, artwork, #ColdstreamBand, Queen's outfit, #SamRyder and of course, Holly and Phil #PlatinumJubilee."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV & ITV Hub
