The famous Buckingham Palace, built in 1703, has been the residence of the British royal family since 1837. It is currently the residence of the English monarchy. Despite the busy schedule of Queen Elizabeth II, the palace, -with its 775 rooms, 188 bedrooms and 78 bathrooms-, remains open for visits by tourists. The emblematic building has a rectangular shape that is 108 meters wide, 120 meters deep and 24 meters high.
 |
| Buckingham Palace |
The Palace is a daily workplace for the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the immediate family. It also serves as a venue for visits by other heads of state and other large ceremonies. Although Buckingham receives more than 50,000 visitors a year, it is furnished and decorated with priceless crafts, it is not a museum or an art gallery. The royal family occupies the State Rooms and official receptions also use the Grand Hall and the Royal Gardens, weather permitting.
What to see in the palace
Those who receive a royal invitation to Buckinham Palace are greeted in the Grand Hall where they begin their ascent up the grand marble staircase featuring a large portrait of Queen Victoria.
The Tron's hall was the former queen's meeting place and also served as a ballroom. Surrounding the state chairs are two winged figures symbolizing victory. This room is only open for large celebrations such as royal wedding photos.
 |
| Buckingham Palace |
George IV did not envision any entertainment room in the original structure of the palace. That issue was rectified by Queen Victoria in 1855 and with it the largest room in all of Buckinham (36.6 meters long, 18 wide and 13.5 meters high) was added. Its opening in 1856 served as a celebration for the end of the Crimean War.
It is currently used as a hall for banquets and the annual reception of diplomats and has a capacity for 1,500 guests. The Ballroom is used for various music concerts. Some 21 performances are held annually (9 in spring, 2 in summer and 10 in winter). In the investitures of the queen or the Prince of Wales as her representative, they are in charge of rewarding great personalities and in the highest echelon is the Knight Order of the British Empire.
Visit Buckingham Palace
Visits to the interior of the palace can only be made in the eight weeks of August and September. There are two types of visits: one to the State Rooms and another to the Royal Coach House and the Queen's Gallery. Hours are from 9:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., between June 30 and July 8, and from July 31 to October 7 (last entry at 3:45 p.m.). In addition to the guided tours, a popular tradition throughout the year is to witness the Changing of the Guard in front of the palace (11:30 am). One of the most famous images sought by travelers passing through London.
How to get to Buckingham Palace
To get to Buckingham: By train, from London Victoria station. By Tube: Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner stations. Buses 11, 211, C1 and C10, Buckingham Palace Road stop.