Buckingham Palace
History
Buckingham Palace, located in the City of Westminster, is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The palace has its origins in the 18th century, when it was known as Buckingham House. The house was originally a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte, earning the title "The Queen's House".
During the 19th century, it underwent significant expansions under the direction of architects such as John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace finally became the official royal palace of the British monarch with the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
Architecture
The architecture of Buckingham Palace is primarily in the neoclassical style, a common architectural style for 18th-century constructions. The palace's façade, known as the East Front, was completed in 1850 and includes the famous balcony where the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds. The palace has a total of 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.
The principal rooms are located in the piano nobile, or the principal floor, above the ground level. These rooms, often used for official state functions, are lavishly decorated with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection – including paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
Gardens
The Buckingham Palace Garden is the largest private garden in London, covering 39 acres. It is home to more than 350 types of wildflowers, 200 trees, and a three-acre lake. The garden is where the Queen's Garden Parties are held, a tradition that dates back to the 1860s. The garden also houses a tennis court and a helicopter landing area.
Changing of the Guard
One of the most well-known ceremonies associated with Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting. This ceremony involves a new guard exchanging duties with the old guard, accompanied by a Guards band. The music played ranges from traditional military marches to songs from films and musicals, and even familiar pop songs.
State Rooms
The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are where the Queen and members of the royal family receive and entertain guests on state, ceremonial and official occasions. The rooms are furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and furniture. The State Rooms are only open to the public during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September.