Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognized landmarks in London. A major reason for its appeal has to do with its royal function as the official residence of the reigning British monarch. It took on the role in 1837 when Queen Victoria moved into the premises after ascending to the throne. Since then, a number of monarchs have called Buckingham Palace their home. To date, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth calls it home.

Yet it is no longer just a home for British monarchy. Buckingham Palace also serves as their administrative headquarters. Hence, it is the setting for numerous formal events and gatherings hosted by The Queen.

The numerous renovations over the years have contributed to the majesty of Buckingham Palace today. The building measures 108 meters in length with a depth of 120 meters. It has a height of 24 meters. Within it are 775 rooms. 52 bedrooms are designated for the Royals and guests of the Palace. The rest serve administrative purposes like the state rooms and offices. In 1993, The Queen opened Buckingham Palace to the public.

Buckingham Palace plays a key role in attracting visitors to London. It is largely due to the appeal of the British Royal Family. Perhaps, no other royal family in the world can match peoples’ fascination with them. It would explain why the palace tour remains a top favourite. Who knows you might get a chance to see Her Majesty waving from the palace balcony.

Another distinct event you can watch at Buckingham Palace is the changing of the guard. It is a simple ceremony yet steep in tradition. Hence, the solemnity and pageantry for everyone to witness as it takes place. Remember no visit to London is complete unless you pay respects to the Queen.

tips

The summer months (21 July to 30 September 2018) are the best times to visit Buckingham Palace. Remember to book your ticket ahead of time.
The Palace Summer Tour highlights
- The State Rooms (19) where the official functions take place and guests are received.
- The Grand Staircase
- Fine works of art from Canaletto, Rembrandt, and Vermeer
- The Throne Room often seen as the backdrop of royal wedding photos
- The special exhibition (Varies yearly)
- Prince Charles’ audio tour
The Queen’s Gallery would be a haven for classic art aficionados. Where else can you admire the extensive Royal collection of art, furniture, sculptures, and of course, the Crown Jewels? Well, only in London at Buckingham Palace. As a rule, you need to turn off your cell phone when inside the Gallery. However, taking pictures and filming are permitted.
The Royal Mews is open to the public during specific periods from February to November. Inside it you can admire the collection of horses and carriages of the Royal Family. In fact, some of these continue to perform their duty to the British monarchy to date. So expect security to be on a tight watch.
To make the most of your visit to Buckingham Palace, you might want to consider the Royal Day Out Combination Ticket (23 July to 2 October). It gives you access to the Queen’s Gallery, the State Rooms, and the Royal Mews.