Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Buckingham Palace that we see today, was originally known as Buckingham House, and was first built in 1703 for John Sheffield, the Duke of Buckingham. Initially a large townhouse, it was redeveloped and then acquired by King George III in 1761. It wasn’t until 1837, that Buckingham Palace was officially acknowledged as the royal London residence of HRH Queen Victoria. After the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in 1840, Buckingham Palace became the centre of high society costume balls, lavish royal ceremonies and extravagant musical entertainment. The palace’s architectural style is primarily neoclassical, with its distinctive façade designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century. The iconic balcony, where the royal family traditionally appears on special occasions, is a focal point of the palace’s design. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and a grand ballroom. Buckingham Palace also houses the Queen’s Gallery, which exhibits art from the Royal Collection. The palace is flanked by three Royal Parks - on the east by St James’s Park and on the north by Green Park, both within a short walking distance of Hyde Park. The palace underwent significant redevelopment during the reign of Queen Victoria and was later expanded to include the East Wing, creating the enclosed courtyard. In the mid-20th century, it suffered damage during World War II bombings but was restored soon after. For visitors, Buckingham Palace is most famous for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a colourful and time-honoured tradition. During the summer months, parts of the palace, including the State Rooms, are open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into royal life. Buckingham Palace remains a key destination for tourists, symbolising the grandeur and history of the British monarchy. Buckingham Palace is an emblem of Great Britain’s monarchy. It was the official, weekday home of Queen Elizabeth II, until she moved to Windsor Castle in 2020. Following her death in September 2022, Buckingham Palace is now expected to become the official royal residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.