There are few words fitting enough to describe the majesty that surrounds Buckingham Palace. Indeed, perhaps this is one of the few buildings in the world that needs no introduction. As the home of the British Royal Family, Buckingham Palace is a prestigious landmark that sits at the very heart of London in the City of Westminster. The focal point for state occasions and national celebrations, it has played host to millions of spectators, visitors and Heads of State over the years and has been broadcast around the world during major events. Here is our guide to what makes the palace the icon it is today…
Townhouse to Palace
The central building of the palace was originally a grand townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and known as Buckingham House. Almost 60 years later, it was bought by King George III and used as a private residence for Queen Charlotte. The initial structure was expanded upon over time, but it was only after Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837 that Buckingham Palace officially became a royal residence. The full palace that we know today, including the iconic balcony on which the Royal family greets crowds during state occasions, was the result of additional construction work done in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Inside Buckingham Palace
Whilst tours of parts of Buckingham Palace are available during select periods of the year, much of the grounds and buildings are not open to the public. There are plenty of surprising features to the complex that go unseen, including that the Palace has its own post office, police station, jewellers, ATM, cinema, surgery and an indoor swimming pool. Here is an overview of what else you can find inside its hallowed halls….
Plenty of Space
Plenty of Space There are 775 rooms in the palace, including 52 bedrooms for the Royal family and their guests, 188 bedrooms for staff, 92 offices and 19 staterooms which are used for entertaining state officials and are open to the public in the late summer months. The ballroom is the largest of all the rooms and was actually the first one to have electric lighting installed.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones The Throne Room, the official seat of the monarchs, was designed by architect John Nash, who was the official architect of King George IV. As well as the wide variety of projects he undertook for the King, Nash also had a considerable background in designing theatre sets, which ultimately informed the dramatic design of the Throne Room.
The Secret Garden
Considered to be the largest private garden in London (and arguably the most beautiful), this 39-acre stretch of land contains over 325 species of wild plants, 1,000 trees and 30 species of birds. There is a lake at the centre, a private tennis court and the serene Rose Garden that is expertly maintained by the talented Palace groundskeepers and includes some of the nation’s most exquisite buds.
Astonishing Art
Art connoisseurs will be aware that the Royal Family are the proud owners of one of the world’s most extensive collections in the world. Assembled by King George IV and his predecessors, pieces from the Royal Collection can be found in various areas of the palace. In the State Rooms, visitors will be able to view paintings, vases, an ornate roll-top desk and a gilded piano that was given to Queen Victoria. The Picture Gallery is a vast hall that contains works from Rembrandt, Canaletto and Van Dyck, as well as Vermeer’s Music Lesson. Many of the items on display are changed regularly and much of the Royal Collection itself is lent out to museums and galleries around the world for temporary exhibitions.
A Quintessential Ritual
Changing the Guard, also known as ‘Guard Mounting’, is perhaps the most famous ceremony conducted at Buckingham Palace. The King’s Guard made up of detachments at the palace and the nearby St. James’s Palace, hands over its duties to the New Guard, who march to the palace gates from Wellington Barracks dressed in bright uniforms and accompanied by a marching band. The handover ceremony features elaborate choreography and a sense of spectacle befitting a royal tradition. Changing the Guard takes place four times a week at 11 a.m. and daily during the summer. For Royal aficionados or lovers of history, Buckingham Palace is an iconic symbol of tradition, heritage and British culture. It is certainly one of the most recognisable icons of London and definitely worth a visit for those who want to experience the very best the capital has to offer.
