The Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the residence of the royal family since 1837, and is currently where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh reside.The palace was built in 1703 as the city residence of the then-Duke of Buckingham. In 1761 it became property of King George III, which was when it became the private residence of Queen Charlotte. Because of this, the palace was then renamed as the Queen’s Palace. Since the 18^th century, the palace was renovated and expanded multiple times.

The biggest expansion was designed by John Nash and Edward Blore, when three new wings were added in the central garden. The interior and the décor date back to the 19^th century, with many of the original pieces of furniture preserved to this day. King Edward VII personally took care of the decoration in the Belle Epoque style, which is characteristic for its cream and gold décor. The smaller rooms were designed in Chinese style, with the furniture inside being brought in from the King’s Pavilion in Brighton. The palace has 775 rooms, and it has the largest private garden in London.

The state rooms, which are used for private and state visits, are opened for the public for the bigger part of August and September, as well as on particular days in the winter and spring. Buckingham Palace has survived raids during both World Wars. During World War One the palace wasn’t damaged at all, while during World War Two it suffered bombing raids several times, and it was then that the chapel of the palace was destroyed.

Interesting facts about the Buckingham Palace

• Spanning over 36.6 meters in lengthm 18 meters in width and 13.5 meters in height, the dance hall of the palace is the biggest room in the entire building.
• A boy named Edward Jones managed to break into the palace three times, stealing food from the kitchen, the Queen’s undergarments from her bedroom, and he even sat on the throne.
• The ceremonial changing of the guard, known as the Mounting of the Guard, is organized in front of the palace at 10:45 and usually lasts for 45 minutes. The real changing of the guard occurs at 11 o’clock.
• When the Queen is not at her residence, which usually happens between July and the end of September, the beautiful state rooms are open for the public

Ticket price for Buckingham Palace
(!) Here, visitors must decide what they want to see. You can buy a ticket that gives you access to state rooms and Buckingham Palace, or you can buy slightly more expensive ticket that include a visit to the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Stables.

Ticket price for state rooms at Buckingham Palace: £ 25
Reduced ticket price: £ 22.80 - for students and pensioners
Reduced ticket price: £ 14 - for children under 17
Free admission for up to 5 years

Ticket price for state rooms, the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Stables at Buckingham Palace: £ 45
Reduced ticket price: £ 40 - for students and pensioners
Reduced ticket price: £ 24.50 - for children under 17
Free admission for up to 5 years
 
Opening hours of Buckingham Palace
From July 21 to August 31 - every day from 09:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (last entrance at 5:15 p.m.)
From September 1 to September 30 - every day from 09:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last entrance at 3:15 p.m.)