BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Buckingham Palace is the formal residence of the British monarchy. It is a setting for royal hospitality and state occasions. It has also been an important rallying point at times of crisis and national rejoicing.
Previously known as Buckingham House, the structure which forms the center of today's palace was a big townhouse constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. In 1761, it was subsequently taken over by George III for the private residence of Queen Charlotte, and was called as "The Queen's House".
It is suggested to visit it in August and September as more places are open to the public.
The iconic guard mounting or changing of the guards ceremony is held at 11.30 AM daily except in spring and summer, however in autumn and winter changing ceremony may not take place in the inclement weather. Over fifty thousands visitors tour the state rooms each year. Tickets can be ordered online and groups of fifteen or more can take advantage of the group discount.
The state apartments are open to public only on summer. The Royal Mews showcases the formal Gold State Coach used in all coronations since 1762, and also other state carriages and coaches. In the Queen’s Gallery, you will see works of art objects from the royal collection, for example pieces by Canover, Rubens, Rembrandt and others. Like Windsor Castle, the Buckingham palace is a state's property.
It is not the king's or queen's personal property, unlike Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House. Many of the objects from Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, St. James's Palace and Windsor Castle are recognized collectively as the Royal Collection and owned by the nation. On a few occasions, the collection is exhibited to the visitors at the Queen's Gallery.
Unlike the castle and the palace, the gallery is open continuously and showcases a changing selection of objects from the collection. The section containing the Queen's Gallery was once a chapel, which was destroyed by a bomb during the "London Blitz" in World War II.
The Buckingham Palace has 52 principal bedrooms, 19 state rooms, nearly 200 staff bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, and 92 offices. While this may seem numerous, the Palace has less rooms than the Russian imperial palace in St. Petersburg.
Some vital information for visitors::
- Operating hours:
You can visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms from about 9.45 AM to 3.45 PM.
The admission fee for adult is £16.50; for student/senior citizen it is £15.00 and under 17 yrs it is £9.50.
No entrance fee required under 5 years and there is a family pack (2 adults, 3 children under 17 yrs) for £44.00.