The passage of a year in the life of every nation is marked in many different ways, some palpable - like the natural seasons - some which stem from ancient tradition - such as religious festivals - and others which take root around great sporting occasions.

This exhibition sets out to show how in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, the sovereign's annual calendar defines the nation's calendar, with its moments of high ceremony such as the Royal Maundy at Easter, Trooping the Colour in June, the State Opening of Parliament and the Service of Remembrance in the Autumn.

During The Queen's reign each month of the year has come to have its own cycle of events, and each royal residence its own season or month of heightened activity. The aim has always been to ensure that Her Majesty's duties as Head of State and Head of Nations are discharged in ways that are visible, tangible and relevant to the lives of as many people as possible.