Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in London, England. It has been the official residence of the British monarch since 1837 and serves as the administrative headquarters for the Monarchy. Buckingham Palace is one of many palaces that are owned by the British Royal family. Every time that the Queen is at Buckingham Palace, a flag is hoisted. The Palace is a magnificent sight to behold, with its stunning architecture, ornate interiors, and beautiful gardens. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to London.
History of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace was originally known as Buckingham House and was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. In 1761, King George III purchased the property as a private residence for Queen Charlotte. In 1837, Queen Victoria became the first monarch to take up residence in the Palace. Over the years, the Palace has been expanded and renovated several times, with the most significant changes taking place in the 19th century.
Buckingham Palace Facts
Today, the Palace is not only the residence of the monarch but also serves as a venue for state occasions and official ceremonies, including the Changing of the Guard and the Trooping of the Color. Buckingham Palace is used not only as the home of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, but also for the administrative work for the monarchy. It is here in the state apartments that Her Majesty receives and entertains guests invited to the Palace. Buckingham Palace contains approximately 600 rooms, some of which include a throne room, a ballroom, a picture gallery, a swimming pool and so much more. It is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year.
Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster in central London, at the end of The Mall, a wide avenue that runs from Trafalgar Square. The Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including St James’s Park to the south and Green Park to the west. It is easily accessible by public transport, with several underground stations and bus stops nearby.
Changing of the Guard
One of the most popular attractions at Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It takes place daily during the summer months and every other day during the winter months, weather permitting. The changing of the guards takes place at 11Am every day in front of Buckingham Palace. During the changing of the guards, you will witness an impressive parade as the New Guard walks along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace in a ceremony to replace the Old Guard. This lively celebration features music by a military band and a very precise ceremony.
State Rooms
Visitors can also take a tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, which are open to the public during the summer months. The State Rooms are where the monarch and members of the Royal Family receive and entertain guests. They are adorned with beautiful artwork, furnishings, and decorations, including works by famous artists such as Rembrandt and Canaletto.
The Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is located just behind Buckingham Palace and is home to the royal collection of carriages and horses. Visitors can take a tour of the Mews to see the historic carriages used by the monarch and members of the Royal Family, as well as the working stables where the horses are housed.
The Queen’s Gallery
The Queen’s Gallery is located next to Buckingham Palace and is home to a rotating collection of artwork from the Royal Collection. The Queens Gallery is one of the few areas of Buckingham Palace that is open to the public. Visitors can view works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rubens.
Buckingham Palace Gardens
The gardens at Buckingham Palace are some of the most beautiful in London. They cover 39 acres and include a lake, a summer house, and several beautiful flower beds. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gardens during the summer months, or enjoy a leisurely stroll on their own.
Royal Tea
After a day of sightseeing, visitors can enjoy a traditional English tea at one of the many tea rooms located in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace. These tea rooms offer a selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, along with a pot of tea. It is a delightful way to end a visit to Buckingham Palace.
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