Buckingham Palace

Landmark in Westminster
Buckingham Palace image
Address
, Westminster, SW1A 1AA
Category
Landmarks
Region
Westminster
Nearest Station
Victoria
0.33 miles

Buckingham Palace is the home and offices of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the Queen of England. The Royal standard can be seen flying above the palace when the Queen is in residence. Built in 1702 as the home of the Duke of Buckingham, it was bought from the Duke by George III, and now also serves as a venue for ceremonial occasions.

In the nineteenth century George IV commissioned John Nash to transform the house into a Palace; he overspent hugely on the project and was removed from the upgrade.

Queen Victoria was the first Monarch to live in Buckingham Palace, the Palace has been the residence of the monarchy ever since. Victoria sold the Royal Pavilion in Brighton to fund a huge expansion of the Palace during the mid eighteen-hundreds.

Every autumn, when the royal family are away from the Palace, the State Rooms are open to the public. The rooms were first opened in 1993 to raise funds for Windsor Castle after it was damaged by fire.

The Royal Throne room is lit by seven chandeliers and is used only for ceremonial purposes. Buckingham Palace is close to St. James Park, which offers spectacular views at night. Visitors may also wish to watch the changing of the guard; a musical, military ceremony which takes place at 11:30am and lasts for approximately forty-five minutes.

Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery

Buckingham Palace Picture
Buckingham Palace in bloom!
Buckingham Palace in bloom!

Best For

London's oldest attractions picture

London's oldest attractions

Something for the history-buffs...

Although it was built in 1703, Buckingham Palace only became the official royal residence when Queen Victoria decided to make it her home in 1837. Nowadays when Queen Elizabeth is in the Royal Standard flag flies at full mast. Among its suitably ornate rooms are the State Rooms where dignitaries and other royals are received, and the Chinese Dining Room, all furnished with classic paintings, ornate chandeliers and candelabras.

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