This room was specially designed for HRH Princess Mary by the British architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1930. He utilised the Adam-revival style to complement the 18th century design of the rest of the House.

The room is a very personal space. Princess Mary’s ‘M’ monogram can be seen decorating many of its architectural features and her love of gardening is reflected in floral plasterwork motifs around the room. Flowers representing the countries of the British Empire (now Commonwealth), for instance, can be seen on the ceiling and ‘Flora’, Roman goddess of flowers, decorates the apse.

Princess Mary asked Herbert Baker for several display cabinets in her dressing room to house her collection of Chinese jade, amber and rose-quartz carvings. She even requested that these be electrically lit to show off their translucency. Mary also adored owls and collected many throughout her lifetime, some of which are now displayed in the cabinets.

Other modern conveniences, such as a bathroom, toilet and electric bell system, were also installed in this room. The insignia of the Girl Guides and Royal Scots decorate the ceiling of the bathroom, two of the many organisations which Princess Mary supported throughout her life.

Between 1930 and 1965 Harewood House became the home of HRH Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She had married Henry, Viscount Lascelles, future 6th Earl of Harewood, almost a decade earlier in 1922.