Buckingham Palace

Are you looking for a chance to get a glimpse into the lives of royalty? Do you want to explore one of London’s most iconic landmarks? Then look no further than Buckingham Palace!

From the grandeur of its exterior to its rich history, this palace is sure to take your breath away. Read on to learn more about this incredible destination.

A Brief History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has a long and storied history, dating all the way back to the reign of James I in the early 17th century. The original Buckingham House was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 on land that had been privately owned for at least a century.

In 1761, King George III bought Buckingham House for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to St James’s Palace. Since then, the palace has been transformed into an enormous building and extensive gardens, and it remains a private home to the Royal Family. It is also a potent symbol of the British Monarchy and plays host to numerous ceremonial events throughout the year.

Royal Residence of British Monarchs

Buckingham Palace has a long and illustrious history. Its original namesake, Buckingham House, was commissioned by King George IV in the late 1700s and was renovated into a palace under Queen Victoria’s reign. It has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837 and is the administrative headquarters for the monarchy.

The palace is home to the Royal Family and a potent symbol of the British nation. It is situated within the borough of Westminster and takes its name from the duke of Buckingham. Not only does it serve as a luxurious home for the Royal Family, but also hosts a number of ceremonious events and is home to a luxury hotel, The Rubens at the Palace.

Architecture and Design of Buckingham Palace

Originally known as Buckingham House, the royal residence of British Monarchs stands today at the same site as it did in 1703. The house was built for the first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby to the design of William Winde. The building consists of a large three-storey central block with two smaller flanking service wings.

The King was highly impressed by the French Neoclassical architecture and thus, the external façade of the palace reflects those intricate details. It has been remodeled several times over the years, and now consists of 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.

Significant Events in the History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has a long and rich history, with significant events occurring throughout its various stages of development. One such event was the purchase of the palace by King George III in 1762 for his wife, Queen Charlotte.

This was a significant moment in the palace’s history as it marked the beginning of the royal family’s association with the palace. In 1837, Queen Victoria became the first monarch to reside at Buckingham Palace and it has been their official London residence ever since.

The death of Queen Victoria in 1901 was a shock to the nation, and crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace awaiting updates from the Prime Minister. Another notable event was the opening of the Rubens at the Palace hotel in 2002, a luxurious hotel located within the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

The Monarch’s Official London Residence

As the official London residence of the British Monarch, Buckingham Palace is truly a sight to behold. It has been home to the sovereigns of the United Kingdom since 1837 and is a symbol of the country’s rich history.

From the grand state rooms to the lush gardens, there is something special about Buckingham Palace that makes it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London. The palace has hosted many significant events over the years, from royal weddings to state banquets and investitures.

The Queen still resides there, along with her press releases and other information about her activities and engagements. Visitors can get an idea of what it’s like inside the Queen’s chambers by taking a virtual tour or booking a guided tour of the palace. And, of course, one can’t forget about the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony which takes place every day at 11:30am.

The Rubens at the Palace A Luxury Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city, look no further than The Rubens at the Palace. Located in Central London overlooking Buckingham Palace and its Mews, this stunning boutique-style hotel offers exceptional comfort and personal service.

You can enjoy views of the iconic palace from one of its unique rooms and luxury suites. The hotel also offers exquisite fine dining options, an afternoon tea lounge, and three bars for your entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also take advantage of their dry cleaning/laundry services, making your stay a truly pampered one.

History of the Rubens at the Palace

The Rubens at the Palace is a luxurious and historic hotel located in the heart of London, with a view of the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. This five star hotel has been around since 1912, when it was first built as a hostel for debutantes visiting the palace.

It was renovated in 2016, and now houses 161 rooms and suites, each with breathtaking views of the palace. The hotel offers a traditional setting and fine British service. Guests can enjoy an exquisite dining experience in one of the four bars or restaurants, or relax in the afternoon tea lounge. With dry cleaning and laundry services available, The Rubens at the Palace is truly a luxurious experience.

Amenities and Services Offered

For those looking for a luxurious stay in the city, The Rubens at the Palace is an ideal choice. This stunning boutique-style hotel overlooks Buckingham Palace and its mews, and provides exceptional comfort and personal service where no request is too much.

From children’s check-in to complimentary mocktails, little ones also receive our five-star treatment and service. Guests can enjoy valet parking, free high-speed internet, a bar and lounge, evening entertainment, walking tours, and more. Family rooms provide a convenient solution for larger groups and special offers are available for those looking to save. View deals for The Rubens at the Palace, including fully refundable rates with free cancellation.

Buckingham Palace Gifting & Souvenirs

No visit to Buckingham Palace would be complete without bringing home a souvenir or two. Fortunately, there is an official royal shop for gifts and souvenirs located right inside the palace grounds. From commemorative coins to exquisite chocolates and toffee tins, there is something for everyone.

Whether you’re searching for a special gift for a loved one or a memento of your visit, you’ll find the perfect item at the Royal Gifts shop. There are also t-shirts, posters, stickers, and home decor items designed by independent artists that capture the spirit of Buckingham Palace. And don’t forget to take home a fridge magnet of the palace before you go!

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

One of the most popular attractions in London is the famous Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. This ceremony has attracted millions of visitors from around the world, as it is an incredible display of pageantry with precision drills and music.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place between three locations – Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks – and is usually held between 10:45am and 11:15am. To make sure you can get the best view, it’s best to arrive early.

During the ceremony, the New Guard will march into the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, halt, turn to face the New Guard and then slow march into position. From August to May, the ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Tickets are from £18* and finish near Buckingham Palace at around 11:15am.

Take a Virtual Tour of Buckingham Palace

If you can’t make it to London, don’t worry! You can take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace from the comfort of your own home. Through the virtual tour, you can explore the beautiful State Rooms and the many significant moments in history that have taken place in the palace.

You can also get a glimpse into what it is like to stay at The Rubens at the Palace, a luxury hotel located within the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The virtual tour is sure to be an experience you won’t forget.

The Queen’s Press Releases from Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy, and it has a long and rich history. As such, it’s no surprise that the palace regularly issues press releases about the royal family and their activities. The most recent release was about the Queen’s decision to allow Prince Andrew to continue to use the palace for official engagements.

It was also announced that King Charles III’s royal monogram will replace Queen Elizabeth’s on government buildings and correspondence from the royal household. This is sure to create a buzz amongst the press, who will be eager to know more about the latest developments in British royalty.

Inside the Queen’s Chambers at Buckingham Palace

As breathtaking as the Grand State Rooms are, Queen Elizabeth’s inner sanctum is even more extraordinary. From the Buckingham Palace Throne Room to the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s most resplendent chambers are adorned with fine art and exquisite furniture.

The walls of the Queen’s Bedroom are covered in blue-grey damask, while her sitting room features a collection of family photographs. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was created as a 1:12 scale miniature of Buckingham Palace, with detailed interiors and life-like figures. In addition to her private apartments, the Queen also has access to several secret rooms within the palace, including a cinema and post office.

The Grandeur of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace

If you’re looking to experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the State Rooms are the perfect place to start. These magnificent rooms are filled with remarkable works of art and stunning furnishings that have been acquired throughout the centuries by British monarchs.

You can explore the rooms at your leisure with a complimentary audio guide or join one of the Exclusive Guided Tours which are available on selected dates during winter and spring for 10 weeks each year. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Throne Room, Music Room, Picture Gallery, State Dining Room and other magnificent State Rooms.

Hosting Ceremonial Events at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and has hosted many significant state, royal, military, and ceremonial events. In addition to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, Buckingham Palace has also hosted receptions for heads of state and official overseas guests, as well as a special ceremony to launch the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay.

In 1978, Nicolae and Elena Ceauşescu were received by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during their visit in the UK. Buckingham Palace is the perfect setting for these grand ceremonial events, with its grand architecture and luxurious interiors, making it an ideal place for hosting these important occasions.

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