Buckingham Palace

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Buckingham House 1710

Buckingham House, East Front, by William Westall, 1819 - royal coll 922137 257059 ORI 0

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Buckingham Palace engraved by J.Woods after Hablot Browne & R.Garland publ 1837 edited

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Victoria Memorial from within Buckingham Palace

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Plan of Buckingham palace

Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.

Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 on a site that had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as "The Queen's House". Over the years, it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the East Front, which contains the well-known balcony on which the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds. The palace is also the venue for many official events hosted by the Queen, including the State Banquets, Investitures, and the annual Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the Queen's official birthday.

The palace, which is one of the world's most well-known buildings, has 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The palace also has a large and park-like garden which is the largest private garden in London. There, the Queen hosts her annual garden parties each summer, and it is a key feature of the palace's design.

Despite its role as the monarch's residence, parts of Buckingham Palace are open to visitors during the summer months. The State Rooms, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each year for most of August and September and on some days in winter and spring.

In addition to being a major tourist attraction, Buckingham Palace is a symbol of the UK monarchy, British tradition, and history. It has been the site of many significant events in British history, including VE Day celebrations at the end of World War II.

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