Meet the animals hiding in the gardens of the historic royal palaces

The Tower of London may be known for its ravens, and the front of Hampton Court Palace graced with royal beasts, but there are some creatures that don't often make their presence known in the gardens of Historic Royal Palaces' sites. 

Here, we meet some of the animals who are making the most of over 160 acres of historic grounds.

Henry IX is the latest in a long line of nursery cats at Hampton Court Palace. He was crowned 'Cat Colleague of the Year, 2023' at the National Cat Awards.

His busy schedule involves keeping on top of the local rodent population...

Reg lives in No.2 glasshouse in the Hampton Court Palace Nurseries and can often be spotted in the Wilderness.

Living in a royal palace brings him into contact with quite a few humans, so he's very friendly!

Swans have always had a special relationship with the Crown. However, for Dave the swan at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the relationship goes a little deeper.

Dave was bullied by the oldest male swan on the Lake, who caused him grievous bodily harm, and has taken refuge in the castle gardens.

Luckily, he was rescued by the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens ranger and now lives contentedly on his own.

Grey squirrels are not always regarded with fondness. However, at the Tower of London, Cyril the resident squirrel might just be the most urban squirrel in town.​  

Cyril has become an infamous part of Tower life. As well as interrupting the Constable's Dues ceremony in 2019 by running through the proceedings, this cheeky rodent has been known to run up the legs of Yeoman Warders.

It's been a good few months for our resident squirrel. As well as finding fame on Channel 5's Inside the Tower of London documentary, Cyril has recently been joined by a new friend... called Cybil.