I was in Buckingham Palace this week!
…and new episodes of American Countess you need to watch
Dear lovely friends!
The last couple of weeks have been the kind of busy that happens mostly behind the scenes: research, conversations, planning, and moments that don’t always shout for attention, but always shape what’s coming next. Even so, there are some lovely things to share with you.
In this newsletter, I’ll be sharing:
• The release of our Drumlanrig Castle episode
• The first “At the Archive Table” session
• Recent Substack essays and voice notes
• Tickets are now available for my upcoming V&A talk (in-person & virtual)
• An exclusive guided visit to Buckingham Palace
• Returning to training and preparing for a February half marathon
Let’s dive in!
Drumlanrig is live!
I’m so pleased that episode one at Drumlanrig Castle is now live.
Filming with Duke Richard and Lord Walter was a real highlight! Not only is the scale and beauty of the house and estate incredible, but the warmth and generosity we were shown throughout our time there blew us away. Drumlanrig feels like a place that is both monumental and lived-in, and I hope that comes across in the episode.
If you haven’t watched yet, I’d love for you to take a moment to do so. It’s one of those houses that lingers with you (and the comments are all 5-stars!).
At the archive table
On Sunday, 1 February, I hosted my first “At the Archive Table” session on my Gilded Heiresses substack, and it couldn’t have gone better.
We talked about practical, approachable ways to begin organising a family archive, whether that’s papers passed down from grandparents, documents from your own life, or something you’re consciously building for your children.
There was a wonderful mix of practical questions and thoughtful reflections, and it confirmed for me just how hungry people are for guidance around preserving their own histories.
This is something I’ll be continuing, and I’m very glad to have opened the conversation. So tune in next month!
Life on Substack
Substack has been particularly lively lately. Alongside new essays, I’ve been sharing voice notes, including one recorded ahead of a rather special visit this week.
(Hint: the King lives there…sometimes!)
If you enjoy the quieter, more reflective side of the work—archives, fashion history, research notes, and personal observations—you’ll find plenty to explore there.
I have MANY new projects in the works over there that will bring you straight into the lives of gilded heiresses. And, from February on, subscribers there will get the new Gilded Heiress videos before they drop on YouTube.
A visit to Buckingham Palace
Last week, I visited Buckingham Palace for an exclusive guided tour of the East Wing. It’s an area few people ever get to see in depth, and it was everything I could have hoped for and more!
As photography was prohibited, I’ve left a voice note on Substack describing the interiors and why this visit felt particularly meaningful at this point in my work.
Listen here:
My Upcoming Talk at the V&A
I’m so looking forward to my upcoming talk at the V&A, An American Heiress in the Age of Elegance. This lecture grows out of my Master’s research into Luke’s great-grandmother, Alberta — an extraordinary American heiress who became the 9th Countess of Sandwich. I’ll be sharing her remarkable story, her world, her collection, and the recently rediscovered House of Worth dress she owned. I can’t wait to welcome many of you in person and online. Full details and tickets are in the links below.
Training again
On a more personal note, I’m properly back into training again. Alongside running, I’ve returned to strength training, spinning, and my rather intense handstand-and-back-bending yoga classes.
My plan is to run a half marathon at the end of February, as part of building back toward longer distances and of course before the Amsterdam marathon with Emma and Jack.
As always, thank you for reading and for being here. Even when things feel quieter on the surface, there’s a lot unfolding underneath, and I’m so grateful to be able to share this journey with you.
With love and gratitude,
Julie
Hi there Julie,
I watched and loved the Part 1 of the A C Scottish castle presentation (from a region of Scotland home to my grandmother's family). Also enjoyed your tour of Buckingham Palace - I didn't know such tours existed for the general public. Also I stumbled across your archives video which I enjoyed. I think that I already have tickets for the Natchez March reception - I'll check.
Keep up the good work.
P S This time maybe really just a half marathon ??