Buckingham Palace – Headquarters of a Monarch

Buckingham Palace – The Principle Residence of British Royalty

Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 and was originally a much smaller construction known as Buckingham House. First built as a home for the Duke of Buckingham, whom the building was named after, Buckingham Palace was first used in 1837 by Queen Victoria as her own private royal residence. The Palace now has 775 rooms in total, with several areas now open to the public from between July and October each year.

Since becoming a principle residence for royalty in 1837, Buckingham Palace has undergone plenty of expansion and reconstruction, with The Mall and Ballroom Wing added during the end of 1840s. The interior of the palace remains as ornate today as when it was first built, with the Music Room, Blue and White Drawing Rooms and the Picture Gallery noted for their intricate interior design. The Picture Gallery leads up to the Throne Room, Guard Room and Grand Staircase. Along with its own private collection of paintings, including works by Vermeer, Rubens and Rembrandt, Buckingham Palace is also famous for hosting formal entertainments, usually in the Marble Hall, and also hosts garden parties during the Spring and Summer months.

Although Buckingham Palace is not owned by the Monarchy, the Queen still often resides there and over the years it has come to be seen as an emblem of the British Monarchy. The Queen and family are able to stand on the balcony during important moments to bring the country together, such as Trooping the Colour. The Palace continues to act as a focal point for the British Monarchy as well as a tourist attraction.

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