Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, it is a focal point for national celebrations and mourning1.
History
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 17031. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte2. During the 19th century, it was enlarged, with three wings constructed around a central courtyard1. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 18371.
Architecture and Design
The palace is an example of neoclassical architecture, with the main façade inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces3. The palace is 108 meters long, 120 meters deep, and 24 meters high3. It has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms2. The palace also boasts a central courtyard and a façade decorated with pillars and arches3.
Visiting Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is open to visitors during the summer months4. The State Rooms are open to visitors every summer2. You can book a guided tour of the palace on selected dates throughout the year5.
Opening Hours
Buckingham Palace’s opening hours are as follows: 6
- 10 July to 31 August 2024: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry 5:15 pm)
- 1 to 29 September 2024: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (last entry 4:15 pm)
Getting There
By Tube: The nearest Tube station to the palace is St James’s Park, which is served by the Circle and District lines7. Green Park station on the Piccadilly and Jubilee lines is also close by7.
By Train: The closest station to Buckingham Palace is London Victoria8. From Victoria, you can walk to Buckingham Palace in just 10 minutes8.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace, marking the symbolic handover of responsibility from one group of guards to another9. This ceremony dates back to the reign of King Charles II in the 17th century10.
Works cited
- Buckingham Palace – Wikipedia, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckingham_Palace
- Royal Residences: Buckingham Palace, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace
- Buckingham Palace: emblem of architecture and design – Property Journal, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://propertyjournal.com.mx/en/buckingham-palace/
- Buckingham Palace | Tours & Tickets 2024, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.buckinghampalace.co.uk/
- Buckingham Palace – Royal Collection Trust, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
- Buckingham Palace Timings | Opening Hours, Closing Hours, Best Time To Visit, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.london-tickets.co.uk/buckingham-palace/opening-hours-timings/
- Buckingham Palace: Easiest bus and tube routes and nearest stations to royal residence, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/buckingham-palace-directions-postcode-queen-b2163681.html
- Train to Buckingham Palace | Nearest Station – Trainline, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.thetrainline.com/via/trips/buckingham-palace
- Changing the Guard | The Royal Family, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.royal.uk/changing-the-guard
- Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace: A Spectacular Tradition, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://buckinghampalace.co.uk/changing-the-guard