Buckingham Palace: Best Royal London Experience – 2023

Buckingham Palace, located in London, serves as the administrative headquarters and official residence of the United Kingdom’s monarch. This iconic building has been the home of the country’s sovereigns since 1837, making it a symbol of the monarchy and an important part of the nation’s history.

Visiting Buckingham Palace is one of the must-do activities when exploring London. My husband and I together with our friends visited Buckingham Palace during its public opening last summer season. I was delighted and excited to visit this iconic landmark that has been etched at the heart of British culture.

As the backdrop for many significant national occasions and royal celebrations, Buckingham Palace plays a vital role in the lives of the Royal Family. Events such as Monarch’s Jubilees, Royal weddings, Trooping the Colour, and other momentous Royal events. For those intrigued by the history and splendor of the palace, a visit to this illustrious site will be an unforgettable experience.

Buckingham Palace Historical Background:

Buckingham House to Palace

In the early 17th century, the site of Buckingham Palace was home to a property known as Goring House, which was later acquired by the Duke of Buckingham, John Sheffield, in 1624.

In 1703, Buckingham House was built on the site, designed by architect William Winde. King George III purchased the house in 1762 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, as a private residence, and it became known as the Queen’s House.

During the reign of King George IV, the transformation of Buckingham House into a palace began. The goal was to create a grand and impressive royal residence that would showcase the wealth and power of the monarchy.

John Nash and Edward Blore Transformation

In 1820, architect John Nash was commissioned to remodel and expand the existing house into a palace. Nash introduced the neoclassical style to the building, using Bath Stone to create a grand facade. His extravagant designs eventually led to his dismissal from the project due to budget overruns.

Edward Blore took over as the architect in 1830 and continued the transformation. He added new State Rooms and the now-iconic central balcony, where the Royal Family often greets the public. Blore also redesigned the palace facade with Portland Stone, giving it the appearance we see today.

At the turn of the 20th century, Sir Aston Webb was commissioned to create the east front of the palace, which now serves as the primary facade. During this time, the Royal Standard of the UK replaced the Union flag on the palace roof, signifying the sovereign’s presence.

Throughout its history, Buckingham Palace has witnessed many significant events, including the celebration of victory in the Battle of Waterloo. Today, it stands as an iconic symbol of the British monarchy, reflecting centuries of tradition and historical significance.

Royal Occupancy

Queen Victoria’s Reign

During Queen Victoria’s time, Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch following her accession to the throne in 1837. The palace was originally known as Buckingham House, built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703.

It was acquired by King George III in 1761 to serve as a private residence for his queen, Charlotte. The Queen Charlotte that was featured on the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte.

Both King George IV and his younger brother, King William IV, worked on transforming the residence to its present appearance, although neither lived to see the result.

Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, made significant changes to the palace, including adding a new wing and the famous central balcony. It was under Victoria’s reign that the palace became the center of state functions and grand events, truly establishing itself as the Royal Family’s hub.

Modern Era Monarchs

In the modern era, Buckingham Palace has continued to be the royal residence and administrative headquarters for the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and their predecessors.

The palace has 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. It has been the site of numerous royal events, including the Monarch’s annual garden parties and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

The palace has also seen the reigns of Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II, each adding their unique touch to the historic building.

Throughout its rich history, Buckingham Palace has remained the primary residence and symbol of the British monarchy. With every era comes new events and occasions, all of which are etched into the fabric of this historical building.

As a central part of British culture, Buckingham Palace remains an enduring symbol of the Royal Family’s power and presence.

Architectural Highlights

State Rooms

Buckingham Palace is home to several impressive staterooms, each with its unique character and purpose. One of the most iconic rooms is the Throne Room, which features the royal thrones of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and King Charles III. This room is often used for ceremonial occasions and significant events.

Adjacent to the Throne Room are several remarkable drawing rooms, such as the Green Drawing Room, White Drawing Room, and Blue Drawing Room.

These elegant rooms serve as reception areas and host official events. The Green Drawing Room is known for its stunning tapestries, while the White Drawing Room, showcasing exquisite furniture, is often considered the grandest.

A standout among the staterooms, the Picture Gallery displays an impressive collection of artworks, including paintings by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto.

The Music Room, with its grand piano, hosts concerts and other musical events. Nearby, the State Dining Room serves as an opulent setting for large dinners and grand receptions.

The East and West Galleries connect many of the staterooms, offering breathtaking views of the gardens.

One of the most lavish spaces in the palace is the Grand Ballroom, which measures 120 feet in length and 60 feet in width. The beautiful ceiling frescoes add to the ambiance of the room.

The Marble Hall showcases an imposing the Grand Staircase, which displays intricate stone carvings and bronze banisters that lead visitors between the state rooms and private apartments.

You can see what they look like from the Buckingham Palace postcards above.

Gardens and Open Spaces

Buckingham Palace is surrounded by lovely gardens that blend nature with artistry. The palace garden, often called the Buckingham Palace Gardens, covers about 40 acres and features serene landscapes, including the picturesque lake. The Mulberry Garden, located near the garden, is known for its charming mulberry trees, a gift from King James I.

The Marble Arch, designed by John Nash in the early 19th century, is a notable landmark. Originally located at the entrance to the palace, the arch was relocated to its present position in 1851. The Quadrangle, a spacious courtyard, is often used for various ceremonial events, such as the Changing of the Guard.

Another grand entrance to the palace is the Triumphal Arch, designed by both John Nash and Edward Blore, which leads into the palace’s State Entrance. The combination of state rooms, gardens, and open spaces makes Buckingham Palace an enduring symbol of British history and architectural excellence.

Coronation Exhibition (Temporary Exhibition)

The Coronation robes, Royal Carriage, and other Royal paraphernalia including the Crown Jewels were displayed in the Grand Ballroom during our visit to Buckingham Palace. This is a special exhibition tribute as a year celebration of King Charles III’s coronation. 

Events and Ceremonies

Buckingham Palace serves as the venue for several royal events and ceremonies throughout the year. As the home of the British monarch, it is the focal point of many national celebrations. It is a great honor to visit Buckingham Palace and be invited to various Royal events. Let us explore some of the most iconic events held at this historic location.

State banquets are lavish affairs held at Buckingham Palace, hosting foreign Heads of State and other dignitaries. These prestigious events showcase the finest in British hospitality and tradition, fostering international relations and diplomacy.

Garden parties are another significant event held at the palace. Each year, over 30,000 guests are invited to attend these outdoor gatherings, allowing the public to enjoy the beautiful palace gardens and interact with members of the royal family. Various Royal patron charities are the usual audience at these garden parties.

Investitures take place at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the achievements and contributions of exceptional individuals. During these ceremonies, honorees are presented with various awards and titles, such as knighthoods and membership to prestigious Imperial British orders.

Buckingham Palace is often at the centre of national celebrations. Landmark events like Monarch’s Jubilee celebrations, the famous VE Day celebration, and the Monarch’s summer annual birthday parade and the Trooping the Colour, draw thousands of spectators and well-wishers to the Palace’s gates.

Jubilees and coronations are significant milestones in a monarch’s reign, and Buckingham Palace plays an essential role in these ceremonies. For example, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 firmly established the palace as a central location for royal festivities.

As well as the recent momentous coronation of King Charles III, which signifies a new promising era for the British monarchy.

Royal weddings have also been held at Buckingham Palace, with the balconies providing a grand setting for the newlyweds to greet the public and share their first kiss as a married couple.

Some of my favourites are the 1981 Royal wedding of then Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was a memorable event watched by millions worldwide.

Buckingham Palace is not only a royal residence but also a symbolic and functional site for various events and ceremonies that uphold British tradition and promote national pride.

Administration and Government

At the heart of London’s government and administration, Buckingham Palace serves as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the UK’s sovereign. It is not only a symbol of the monarchy but also the location where essential government activities, such as the Monarch’s audience with the prime minister, take place.

The United Kingdom operates under a Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary system, with the King or Queen, currently the Monarch, fulfilling the role of a head of state. Although the Monarch has limited power, they still maintain a crucial position in the political system and play a significant role within the UK’s unitary state.

It also serves as a venue for state visits from foreign leaders and dignitaries as a courtesy call to the British monarch and the Royal family. They also hold Royal banquet dinners during these kind of events that serves as good public relations and camaraderie. 

Buckingham Palace represents the working relationship between the Monarch and the Parliament, a close collaboration encompassing both the Houses of Parliament and the government.

The Houses of Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, collaborate closely with the Monarch, who opens and dissolves Parliament sessions.

As a working palace, Buckingham Palace houses numerous offices for the staff who support the Monarch’s daily duties. These offices are crucial for ensuring efficient communication between the Monarch and the prime minister, as well as the functioning of the broader parliamentary system.

The weekly Monarch’s audience with the prime minister usually occurs within the palace, further emphasizing its role in the government administration.

Buckingham Palace is an essential symbol of the UK’s Constitutional Monarchy and its Parliamentary system. As the Monarch’s official residence and administrative headquarters, the palace represents the close relationship between the Monarch, the prime minister, the government, and the Houses of Parliament.

By providing a base for crucial political activities, Buckingham Palace ensures the smooth functioning of the United Kingdom’s government and administration.

Touristic Experience

As you visit Buckingham Palace, you can expect an enriching and memorable experience. The palace is recognized as the official London residence of the British royal family and serves as an administrative office as well. Throughout the year, tourists can witness the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony, which serves as a backdrop to the palace and is a must-see event.

During the summer months, Buckingham Palace opens its magnificent State Rooms to visitors for ten weeks, offering a guided tour featuring the Throne Room, grand staircase, artwork, and sculptures. We booked this tour of Buckingham Palace via  Get Your Guide. This tour comes with an audio guide that has options for various languages.

The Throne Room, in particular, fascinates tourists as it contains the thrones used for investitures and ceremonial receptions. Additionally, visitors can also marvel at the palace’s largest multi-purpose room, the official Ballroom.

After going around Buckingham Palace for the tour, you can opt to visit the souvenir shop just before you leave the Palace grounds. As I mentioned earlier, once the tour started after the security screening, there was no toilet for the public to use within the palace. The next available toilets can be found next to the souvenir shop at the Palace Garden.

Aside from the palace itself, there are several other attractions near enhance our sightseeing experience. The Royal Mews tour is an excellent opportunity to discover the stables and historic carriages used by the royal family. For art enthusiasts, the Queen’s Gallery offers a range of exquisite artwork collections that we can explore.

Admiralty Arch and the Mall, located nearby, is also worth a visit as it boasts a unique historical backdrop and majestic architecture that adds to our overall experience.

You can have a confident and comprehensive royal experience by visiting Buckingham Palace and its neighboring attractions, including the Changing of the Guard, Royal Mews tour, Queen’s Gallery, The Mall, Victoria Memorial, and Admiralty Arch.

This well-rounded tour offers us fascinating insights into the history, art, and daily life of the British royal family.

You can book these Royal attractions individually:

Always allow plenty of time so you can truly appreciate the grandeur of these Royal attractions in London. It is truly magnificent and regal.

Art and Collection

The art and collection at Buckingham Palace are truly remarkable, representing the personal tastes and passions of British sovereigns over the past 500 years. As part of the Royal Collection, one of the largest and most widely distributed art collections in the world, we find an exceptional range of masterpieces and fascinating pieces.

Among the most notable artists featured in the collection, we can appreciate works by Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Franz Xaver Winterhalter. These incredible paintings not only showcase the artists’ unparalleled talent but also offer a glimpse into the lives and personas of the royal subjects they portrayed.

In addition to the numerous royal portraits, the art and collection at Buckingham Palace extend to the grand and opulent ballroom, which has historically been the setting for extravagant banquets, receptions, and ceremonies, such as King Coronation displays. As we enter the ballroom, we are greeted by an abundance of decorative art and furnishings that reveal the attention to detail and splendor that has long been associated with the monarchy.

Administered by the Royal Collection Trust, the treasury of Buckingham Palace is maintained for the benefit of the nation and is continually enriched by acquisitions and commissions. Additionally, the Royal Mews, a separate gallery at Buckingham Palace, features an ever-changing array of exhibitions, showcasing the vast collection of photographs, rare furniture, old master paintings, and more. These exhibitions allow us to explore the exquisite elements of the Royal Collection up close and in a new light.

Our visit to Buckingham Palace unveils a world of art and collection that impeccably reflects the history, culture, and artistic legacy of the British royal family. By observing and appreciating these magnificent pieces and their surrounding environments, we are offered a unique insight into the lives and experiences of the royals who have graced these corridors for centuries.

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