Buckingham Palace London: Official Royal Residence

Originally, the site was a marshy land near the River Tyburn. In 1703, it became Buckingham House London, built by the Duke of Buckingham. King George III bought the house in 1761 for Queen Charlotte, and it became known as the Queen’s House. Later, King George IV decided to expand it into a palace, a task completed by architect John Nash in the early 1800s. So, If you are planning a day trip in London, keep in mind that lineups can be heavy throughout the middle of the day and on weekends, so going early on the weekend or weekday may be your best bet.

Today, Buckingham Palace London has 775 rooms, including the impressive State Rooms used for official events. The Changing of the Guard London ceremony, where soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats change duty, is a popular attraction. While it remains a working palace, parts of it are open to the public during the summer months, allowing visitors to explore its opulent interiors and extensive art collection. 

Buckingham Palace symbolizes the British monarchy and is a key part of the country’s cultural heritage. Get ready as we commence on an unforgettable journey to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most happening cities with Europe tour packages.

Early History

In 1624, the land was acquired by Sir William Blake, who built a large house known as Goring House. This property changed hands several times, first being sold to Lord Goring and later to Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington. The house was then called Arlington House.  You can also take a break from exploring these historic sites in London by hanging out in the vast variety of cafes in London.

Buckingham House

Transformation into the Palace

This extensive renovation included the addition of several new rooms and the redecoration of existing ones. The grand staircase and the impressive Marble Arch, originally the main entrance to the palace, were some of the notable features introduced during this period. However, the Marble Arch was later moved to its current location near Hyde Park.  Some of the traditional resorts & hotels in London are surrounded here. 

The construction work was completed in 1837, just in time for Queen Victoria to ascend to the throne. She made Buckingham Palace London her official residence, thus establishing it as the principal royal residence in London. This move marked the beginning of the palace’s central role in British royal life.  Most of the best restaurants in London are situated in this area. 

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Architectural Features

The palace consists of 775 rooms, including:

• 19 State Rooms: These are the grandest rooms in the palace, used for official and state entertaining. They are richly decorated with works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens.

• 52 Royal and Guest Bedrooms: These provide accommodation for the royal family and their guests.

• 188 Staff Bedrooms: These are used by the live-in staff who maintain the palace and support its daily operations.

• 92 Offices: These are used by the Royal Household staff who manage the monarchy’s administrative affairs.

• 78 Bathrooms: These serve both the residents and guests of the palace.

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Notable Rooms and Their Functions

1. The Throne Room

2. The White Drawing Room

3. The Ballroom

4. The Picture Gallery

5. The Gardens

The gardens are used for a variety of events, most notably the royal garden parties held each summer. These parties invite around 30,000 guests, including members of the public who have contributed to their communities. The garden parties are a way for the Queen to recognize and reward public service.

The gardens are also home to the annual Buckingham Palace Garden Party, where guests can enjoy tea, sandwiches, and cakes while strolling through the beautiful grounds.

Changing of the Guard

The guards wear their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, and the precision of their movements adds to the spectacle. The ceremony attracts thousands of tourists each year and is a must-see event for visitors to London.  Some of the popular Airbnbs in London are situated in this area.

Public Access

The Queen’s Gallery, located on the west front of the palace, is open to the public year-round. It hosts rotating exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The Royal Mews, where the royal carriages and horses are kept, is also open to visitors. The Mews houses the Gold State Coach, which is used for coronations and other major state occasions. Visitors can also see the working stables and learn about the history of royal transportation.

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Role of the Palace

• State Banquets: These formal dinners are held in honor of visiting heads of state. They are attended by members of the royal family, government officials, and other dignitaries. The banquets are held in the Ballroom and feature elaborate table settings and menus.

• Investitures: During these ceremonies, individuals are awarded honors such as knighthoods and medals by the monarch. The Throne Room is often used for these events.

• Royal Receptions: These gatherings are held for various organizations, charities, and community groups. They provide an opportunity for the royal family to meet and recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations.

• Official Audiences: The monarch holds meetings with new ambassadors and other dignitaries in the palace. These audiences are an important part of the diplomatic activities of the monarchy.

Buckingham Palace London also plays a central role in national celebrations and ceremonies. One of the most notable events is Trooping the Colour, a grand military parade held each June to celebrate the monarch’s official birthday. During this event, the royal family gathers on the palace balcony to watch the parade and wave to the public.

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Wartime History

Modern Day

The palace is also a focal point for British national life. It serves as the backdrop for major royal events, such as weddings, jubilees, and state banquets. It is a place where the British public gathers during times of national celebration and mourning.

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The Future

The refurbishment includes:

• Modernizing the infrastructure: Updating outdated systems to improve energy efficiency and safety.
• Conserving historical features: Ensuring that the palace’s historic and architectural features are preserved
• Improving accessibility:  Making the palace more accessible to visitors with disabilities.

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Daily Life of the Royal Family