Buckingham Palace

Few buildings in the world are as instantly recognizable as Buckingham Palace. It is more than just a royal home; it is the stage for national celebrations, the backdrop for royal weddings, and a symbol of the British state. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace serves as both the office and the London residence of His Majesty The King.

A Royal Residence

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. It measures 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the central quadrangle), and 24 metres high.

Although the Palace is furnished and decorated with priceless works of art that form part of the Royal Collection, it is not an art gallery and neither is it a museum. It is a working building and the centerpiece of the UK's constitutional monarchy.

History: From House to Palace

The site where the palace stands was originally a mulberry garden planted by King James I to rear silkworms. However, the core of today’s building was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as "The Queen's House".

During the 19th century, it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace officially became the London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. The famous balcony, where the Royal Family gathers on special occasions, was added during her reign.

The State Rooms

For ten weeks each summer, and on selected dates during winter and spring, the palace's spectacular State Rooms open to the public. These are the public rooms where the King receives and entertains his guests on State, ceremonial, and official occasions.

The Grand Staircase

Designed by John Nash, the Grand Staircase provides a dramatic entrance to the State Rooms. The gilt-bronze balustrade is a masterpiece of design, but look up—the glass dome in the ceiling allows natural light to illuminate the portraits of Queen Victoria's family.

The Throne Room

Often used for official photographs after royal weddings, the Throne Room is dramatic and theatrical. The Chairs of Estate, used for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, sit under a red velvet canopy. It is a room designed to impress and intimidate in equal measure.

The Ballroom

The largest room in the palace, the Ballroom is used for State Banquets. It is here that heads of state are entertained with a level of pomp and pageantry that is unrivaled globally. The long horseshoe table is set with the Grand Service—silver-gilt plate that is cleaned and polished by hand.

The Picture Gallery

Walking through the 47-meter long Picture Gallery is like walking through one of the world's finest art museums. The walls are hung with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto, and Claude. These works are part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the Sovereign for the nation.

The Changing of the Guard

Perhaps the most famous display of British royal tradition is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This takes place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony marks the moment when the soldiers currently on duty, the Old Guard, are relieved by the New Guard. It is accompanied by a Regimental Band, playing music ranging from traditional military marches to songs from musical theatre and pop music.

Timing: The ceremony typically starts at 11:00 am (10:00 am on Sundays) and lasts about 45 minutes. It takes place daily in June and July, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the rest of the year (weather permitting).

Best Viewing Spot: The Victoria Memorial in front of the palace gates offers the best elevated view, but you need to arrive at least 45 minutes early to secure a spot.

The Gardens

A ticket to the State Rooms includes a walk through the garden to the exit. The garden covers 39 acres and boasts a 3-acre lake, a tennis court, and a helicopter pad. It is famous for hosting the monarch's Garden Parties, where around 30,000 guests are entertained each summer. It is an oasis of biodiversity in central London.

The Royal Mews

Located on the south side of the palace grounds, the Royal Mews is a working stable. It is home to the royal carriages and motorcars, including the Gold State Coach. Used at every coronation since George IV's in 1821, this dazzling coach is drawn by eight Windsor Greys. The Mews is open to the public for much of the year.

Visitor Information

Tickets: Because the State Rooms are only open for a limited time (usually July to September/October), tickets sell out well in advance. Booking online is essential.

Security: Airport-style security checks are in operation. Large bags are not permitted.

Dress Code: There is no formal dress code for visiting the palace apart from standard public decency.

Nearby Attractions

Buckingham Palace sits at the heart of royal London.

• St James's Park: The oldest Royal Park in London, providing a green corridor leading to Whitehall and the Horse Guards Parade.
• The Mall: The grand ceremonial route leading from Trafalgar Square to the Palace.
• Clarence House: The official residence of The King and Queen before they moved to the palace, located just down the Mall.

Frequently Asked Questions