Buckingham Palace

Overview

Buckingham Palace is the massive, iconic London residence and administrative headquarters of the United Kingdom's monarch. It is an incredibly potent, globally recognized symbol of the British royal family and the spectacular setting for state occasions.

Highlights

• Changing of the Guard: The precise, wonderfully colourful military ceremony where the sharply uniformed, red-coated King's Guard dramatically hands over responsibility to the new guard.
• The State Rooms: Explore the opulent, gilded public reception rooms (only open for ten weeks during the summer) used by the King to entertain foreign heads of state.
• The Victoria Memorial: The massive, blindingly white marble and gold monument sitting squarely in front of the palace gates, anchoring the sweeping Mall.

History

Originally a massive, elegant townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, it was acquired powerfully by King George III in 1761. It didn't solidly become the principal royal residence until Queen Victoria spectacularly moved in upon her accession in 1837.

Visitor Tips

• Changing the Guard Timing: The ceremony strictly starts at 10:45 AM, but to actually see anything over the massive, pressing crowds, you must arrive firmly against the railings by 9:30 AM.
• The Flag: Look at the central flagpole on the roof; if the Royal Standard is flying, the King is currently in residence; if the Union Jack is flying, he is emphatically not.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours (for state room tours), or 45 minutes for the exterior and guard change.