What is the importance of Whitehall Palace in the novel, The Virgin’s Lover?

Whitehall Palace is the palace Elizabeth choses from which to rule, since it was also the home of Henry VIII's court. It is a grand and huge collection of buildings which are very easy to get lost within, and contains grounds, parks, arenas and gardens. Of the characters, Robert Dudley is the only of the early court to remember Whitehall Palace well, since the Dudleys were one of the few families who were in favor. It also has within it secret rooms and secret passageways that Elizabeth uses for her secret assignations with Robert Dudley.