Arundel Castle is the ancestral home of the senior branch of the Howard family, since 1483 the Dukes of Norfolk. The Norfolks are Premier Dukes and Hereditary Earls Marshal of England. The Howards are a large and distinguished clan, with many peerages between them, and with Royal connections. The 3rd Duke was Uncle to two of Henry VIII's Queens, both beheaded. The Duke survived to die naturally, only because Henry VIII died before the Duke's own planned execution could take place. The Castle was badly besieged twice and slighted in the Civil War, but it was restored and the domestic ranges reconstructed in the 18th. and 19th. Centuries. The rooms contain a fine collection of English and continental furniture, magnificent family portraits including 6 by Van Dyck and an important 18th century library. The Castle has been open to the public since the late 18th century, tours are available in French, German and Japanese as well as English. The catering facilities are of a high standard, as befits a Ducal Table.