Historic Royal Palaces has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programmeme, reinforcing its commitment to creating more welcoming and inclusive experiences for visitors with non-visible disabilities across its six historic sites.
The independent charity cares for some of the United Kingdom's most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London; Hampton Court Palace; Kensington Palace; Kew Palace; Banqueting House; and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, in Northern Ireland.
By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programmeme, Historic Royal Palaces is helping to ensure that more visitors can enjoy these extraordinary places with greater confidence and understanding.
Supporting visitors with non-visible disabilities
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for people with disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses that may not be immediately visible. Wearing the green Sunflower is entirely voluntary and allows people to discreetly indicate that they may need additional time, support or understanding during their visit.
Non-visible disabilities can include:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety disorders
- Sensory processing differences
- Chronic illnesses
- And many other conditions
The Sunflower does not reveal a person's disability; it simply encourages greater awareness, empathy and supportive interactions.
Creating more inclusive heritage experiences
Joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programmeme builds on Historic Royal Palaces' ongoing work to reduce barriers and make its sites more accessible to everyone. Its wider accessibility programmeme includes relaxed openings, deaf-led tours, audio-described tours and the development of new access resources to support neurodivergent, learning-disabled, deaf and visually impaired visitors.
Across its sites, visitors can also benefit from carefully considered adjustments during selected events, including changes to lighting, sound and visitor numbers, alongside specialist activities delivered by trained facilitators. Customer-facing colleagues are being supported to recognise the Sunflower and understand how they can assist visitors who choose to wear it, helping to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Kim Klug, Community Partnerships Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, said:
"Becoming part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programmeme is an important step forward in our ambition to be a charity for everyone. We know that many barriers to accessing and enjoying our sites are not always visible, and being a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower member will help our teams better recognise and respond to visitors' individual needs. "We want every visitor to feel welcome, supported and able to experience the stories we share in a way that works for them. The Sunflower programmeme reinforces our commitment to ensuring that more people have the opportunity to enjoy, learn from and be inspired by our remarkable sites and the stories they hold."
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
"Historic Royal Palaces welcomes millions of visitors each year to some of the United Kingdom’s most treasured historic sites. We are delighted to welcome the charity to the global Sunflower network. By training colleagues to recognise the Sunflower and understand how to support visitors with non-visible disabilities, Historic Royal Palaces is helping more people explore these remarkable places with greater confidence."
Visitors who choose to wear the Sunflower can expect colleagues to recognise the symbol and offer additional understanding, patience or assistance where appropriate. The Sunflower does not provide priority access or special services, but it helps colleagues recognise when someone may appreciate a little extra support during their visit. For more information about accessibility, facilities and inclusive experiences across Historic Royal Palaces, visit the charity's accessibility pages on its website.
About Historic Royal Palaces
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that cares for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, Banqueting House and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens. Through its work, the charity aims to ensure everyone can experience and enjoy these remarkable places and the stories they tell.
About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programmeme was launched in the United Kingdom in 2016 to help people with non-visible disabilities, conditions and chronic illnesses navigate public spaces with greater confidence. Today, the Sunflower is recognised in more than 90 countries and supported by over 340 airports, 31 airlines, transport operators, retailers, healthcare organisations, universities and many other organisations committed to creating more inclusive environments.