As its incredible opulence and majestic architecture would suggest, Buckingham Palace is the official London Royal residence of the British monarchy, serving as both a working royal palace and the ceremonial headquarters of the monarchy. It is an instantly recognizable, beloved symbol of the British Royal Family. From lavish neoclassical architecture to the King’s Guard, read on for everything you need to know before your upcoming visit to Buckingham Palace in London.
The History of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace first became linked to the Royal Family in 1761 when King George III purchased the property, known at the time as Buckingham House, for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to court at St James’s Palace. With fourteen of the couple’s fifteen children being born there, the House quickly became known as the Queen’s House.
George IV ascended to the throne in 1820 and decided to transform Buckingham House into a palace in 1826. Faced with demure Bath stone and reflecting elegant, French neoclassical influences, the King’s extravagant architect John Nash added a new suite of rooms to the garden side of the building, facing west. After George IV’s death, the renovations were instead completed in 1834 by Lord Duncannon, First Commissioner of Works, and new architect Edward Blore.
A few years after the renovations were completed, Buckingham Palace became the official London residence of the British monarchy in 1837 when Queen Victoria began her reign. She moved to Buckingham Palace from the smaller Kensington Palace due to it being a more private, larger, and generally more suitable royal residence. From this point, Buckingham Palace became a symbol of the monarchy’s power and the future of the British Royal Family.
The Family Home Great Britain’s Monarch
Despite being the administrative hub of the Monarchy, Buckingham Palace is first and foremost the Monarch’s family home. Queen Elizabeth II gave birth to King Charles III here, multiple christenings took place in the Palace’s Music Room including that of The King, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York, and The Prince of Wales, and many Royal Weddings have been celebrated at Buckingham Palace including that of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
As the Monarchy’s administrative headquarters and constitutional centrepiece, the Palace is very much a working building and is home to the offices of those who support the King, Queen, and their immediate family on a daily basis. This includes the Private Secretary’s Office, the Privy Purse, and the Treasurer’s Office.
Buckingham Palace serves as the venue for many royal events and ceremonies, from celebrating achievements at Investitures to entertaining foreign Heads of State. In total, it is estimated that over 50,000 guests visit the Palace every year for a range of purposes, from State Banquets to lunches, dinners, receptions, and Garden Parties. The King also holds weekly audiences with the Prime Minister in the Audience Room at Buckingham Palace.
Public Access and Guided Tours
On any day of the year, tourists can visit the gates of Buckingham Palace to experience its grandeur and witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, the precision and discipline of which is a true spectacle to behold. Known for their iconic scarlet uniforms, black bearskin hats, and pearly white gloves, the King’s Guard is a ceremonial military unit responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and other royal residences. They symbolize protection and tradition within the British monarchy.
When it comes to exploring the inside of Buckingham Palace, despite often being in use for the official events and receptions held by The King, the State Rooms, East Wing, and Garden of Buckingham Palace are open to visitors every summer. Visitors can book to see just the East Wing, the East Wing and the State Rooms, or the State Rooms and the Garden. For the first time, guests visiting in 2025 will have the special and unique experience of entering through the Palace’s front gates and across the famous Forecourt, just as guests do for official royal events.
Why not try one of our London Day Tours and see this wonderful building for yourself?
