Buckingham Palace in London is the seat of the British Crown and residence of the Queen of England. The magnificent building can also be visited from the inside in August and September.
Buckingham Palace in the British capital London is the residence and workplace of His Majesty the Queen of England and her Royal Family. It is prominently located between Green Park, Hyde Park and St James Park.
The magnificent palace has been the seat of the British Crown since the time of Queen Victoria. The Victoria Memorial was erected in her honour in front of Buckingham Palace, with the gilded Goddess of Victory enthroned on its top. Behind the palace is a wonderfully manicured garden.
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Worth seeing: Changing of the Guards
Buckingham Palace itself is already magnificent from the outside. A special attraction is the famous Changing of the Guards. Five regiments of foot soldiers guard Buckingham Palace around the clock. With their distinctive red uniforms and high fur hats, they can be recognised from afar.
Every day at 11:30, in winter every other day, the guard in charge is relieved in an elaborately celebrated manner with musical accompaniment. The Royal Infantry marches from St. James Place to Buckingham Palace. The whole ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and can be watched free of charge.
Experience Buckingham Palace
The majestic Buckingham Palace opens its distinguished 19 State Rooms, the idyllic Royal Gardens, and the imposing Grand Ballroom for public tours during August and September coinciding with the Queen's annual journey to her secondary home, Balmoral.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the palace houses a collection of the royal dynasty's priceless artifacts, from splendid artworks to noteworthy period furniture. Art aficionados, in particular, will marvel at the feast of masterpieces on display in the Queen's Gallery, a revolving exhibition featuring pieces from the royal art troves. Visitors are also invited to explore the royal vehicle fleet and the regal stables.
Insider's advice: Tours during August and September are popular and quickly fill up, secure your spot ahead of time by reserving them online. Enjoy complimentary entry to Queen's Gallery with the London Pass!
Receptions and state banquets at Buckingham Palace
Throughout the year, apart from tourists, around 50,000 people visit Buckingham Palace. These visits range from private audiences with the Queen to small banquets and full-scale receptions. Guests range from British government functionaries and foreign civil servants to the business sector and visits from the military or sporting world. Three times a year, the Queen hosts her famous garden parties, attended by up to 30,000 guests.
The biggest reception at Buckingham Palace takes place every year in November, when members of the foreign diplomatic corps are invited to the Diplomatic Reception. In the Grand Ballroom, 1,500 guests from 130 different countries dine on golden plates and then gather for a guided tour of Buckingham Palace, during which all the state apartments are presented.
When the Queen of England is in her palace, the Royal Standard flies from the top of Buckingham Palace. This "royal standard" flies above the Union Jack, the British flag, in all cases, may only be hoisted on buildings where the Queen is currently present and never flies at half-mast.
The Fascinating Origins of Buckingham Palace
Step back in time to the early 17th century, where the captivating history of Buckingham Palace begins. Originally, King James I transformed the grounds into a thriving mulberry plantation, serving as a sanctuary for his silkworm breeding.
Fast forward to 1628, when King Charles I bestowed the plantation and its manor house upon Lord Aston. However, it was not until 70 years later, under the ownership of John Sheffield, later known as the Duke of Buckingham, that the old manor house was demolished to make way for the awe-inspiring palace we see today. The renowned architects William Talman and William Winde took on the task, bringing the vision to life at a cost of £7,000.
The significance of Buckingham Palace further grew in 1761, when King George III acquired the magnificent three-storey building. It became not only a private residence but also a cherished retreat for his beloved Queen Charlotte. Henceforth, the illustrious palace bore the name "The Queen's House."
Fun Fact: Did you know that Buckingham Palace has a total of 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms?
Another interesting fact is that the palace is also home to its very own post office, allowing the Queen and her family to receive mail directly at their residence.
His successor, King George IV, commissioned the architect John Nash to transform the building, both inside and out, into the magnificent palace we know today at a cost of just under £500,000 and made it his permanent residence. Due to the staggering costs, Nash was dismissed after the king's death and the work was continued by Edward Blore.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to move into Buckingham Palace in the 19th century. As she felt the palace was too small for quarters and entertainment, another wing was added by Edward Blore.
In 1852, the Renaissance furnishings of the concert hall, ballroom and dining room were completed, which the renowned architecture magazine "The Builder" declared "the headquarters of good taste" and set a standard for interior design.
In the following years and with successive monarchs, Buckingham Palace was further embellished, with central heating, electric light and ventilation systems. From the Palace Chapel, destroyed in the Second World War, the wonderful royal art collection of the Queen's Gallery was created. In 2002, it was completely refurnished and expanded for the 50th anniversary of the monarch's birth.
The private apartments of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are located in the north wing of Buckingham Palace and the entire top floor is occupied by the royal family. The ground floor is occupied by the court staff.
In the western area are the so-called State Rooms, 19 magnificent halls used for public ceremonies. The other 600 rooms of Buckingham Palace include 78 bathrooms, 52 royal bedrooms, 118 servants' bedrooms, 92 offices, a cinema and a swimming hall.
Related links:
Tourist information about Buckingham Palace
Official site of the British Royal Family
Buy London Pass online
Lodging Options in the United Kingdom
While exploring the enchanting city of London, find comfortable hotels and accommodations that suit your taste and budget. For those looking for more space and freedom, consider London apartments at hotels-of-london.com.
Experience the charm of London's outskirts while ensuring a cosy night's sleep at the end of the day.
Immerse yourself in the historic capital of Scotland with ideal Edinburgh lodgings.
Uncover the industrial landscapes of Manchester while resting easy in your preferred accommodation.
Explore the beloved Scottish city of Glasgow and have peace of mind knowing you have a comfortable accommodation waiting for you.
While enjoying the lively atmosphere of Liverpool, ensure you have the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can always find impeccable service and attention to detail at tophotels.com.
Experience the unique culture of Northern Ireland in Belfast while staying comfortable with your chosen accommodation.
England, Scotland, and Wales extend a diverse range of accommodations to match your travel style.
Experience the scenic countryside of Yorkshire, the coastal charm of Cornwall, and the natural beauty of the Highlands while ensuring a comfy stay.
Isle of Wight accommodations invite you to enjoy the rustic charm of the island while providing comforts of home.
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