The Official Residence of the British Monarch
Buckingham Palace, located in the City of Westminster, London, is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality, and has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.
History of Buckingham Palace
The site of Buckingham Palace has been occupied since the Middle Ages. It has undergone several transformations to become the grand palace we know today:
- 1703: The original house was built for the Duke of Buckingham
- 1761: King George III acquired the property as a private residence for Queen Charlotte
- 1837: Queen Victoria became the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as an official residence
- Early 20th century: The palace underwent major structural changes, including the addition of the famous balcony
Fun Fact
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms!
Visiting Buckingham Palace
While Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace, parts of it are open to visitors:
- The State Rooms are open to the public during the summer months (usually late July to September)
- The Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery are open year-round
- The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place outside the palace
To plan your visit and book tickets, check the official Royal Collection Trust website.
Did You Know?
The Buckingham Palace flagpole is a key indicator of the monarch's presence. When the monarch is in residence, the Royal Standard flag flies. When the monarch is away, the Union Flag is flown instead.
Interesting Features
- The Throne Room: Used for ceremonial receptions and as a backdrop for formal photographs
- The Ballroom: The largest room in Buckingham Palace, used for state banquets
- The Music Room: Often used for royal christenings
- The Picture Gallery: Displays some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection
- The Gardens: Spanning 39 acres, they are the largest private gardens in London
Buckingham Palace continues to play a central role in the life of the British monarchy and remains an enduring symbol of the United Kingdom's rich history and traditions.