The Queen recently unveiled the foundation stone for an ambitious new development at Westminster Abbey, a site she described as “very special.” Camilla visited the location of the King Charles III Sacristy, a £13 million project designed to enhance the experience for millions of visitors. She was particularly struck by the concrete floor that now covers historic skeletal remains she recalled from previous visits.
In an impromptu address to the project’s donors, supporters, and Abbey chapter, the Queen reflected on her last visit in her role as patron. “I just want to say how delighted I am to unveil this foundation stone,” she said. “I can’t believe the last time I was here—there was no floor, just quite a lot of skeletons. God willing, my husband and I will return in 2026 to open the King Charles III Sacristy.”
Among the attendees were notable figures such as Thomas van Straubenzee, godfather to Princess Charlotte; Paul Ramsbottom, CEO of the Wolfson Foundation; and venture capitalist Matt Cohler.
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The new structure is being built on the site of Henry III’s medieval Great Sacristy from the 1250s, located near the Abbey’s walls. Following the unveiling, the Queen told the project’s architect, Ptolemy Dean, “It’s full speed ahead.”
Situated near the north transept—the current visitor entrance—the Sacristy will allow visitors to circulate around the building’s perimeter and enter through the Abbey’s iconic Great West Door. This ceremonial entrance has been used for royal weddings, funerals, and coronations for centuries.
The Sacristy will feature state-of-the-art welcome, security, and ticketing facilities, helping to preserve the Abbey itself as a sacred space. Items such as chairs will be stored in the new building, relieving the main Abbey.
During her visit, Camilla shared a moment with the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, saying, “I love this place; it’s just very special.”
The Queen also engaged with broadcaster and TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, an ambassador for the project. She recalled her initial visit to the site: “It was full of skeletons; it was quite spooky—wasn’t it?” Titchmarsh later commented on the development’s significance, emphasizing that it will restore the Abbey’s role as a fully functioning place of worship and enhance visitors’ experience, allowing them to stand near the coronation chair as they enter through the historic west door.