Buckingham Palace, London

Buckingham Palace

Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarchy, was originally Buckingham House which was built in 1703 as the Duke of Buckingham's London home. In 1762 it was purchased, from the Duke's son, by King George III and, in 1774, Queen Charlotte lived there and it became known as 'The Queen's House'.

In 1820 King George IV set about redesigning the building and employed the services of the eminent architect John Nash. Nash retained the main block and created three wings around a central courtyard. Marble Arch was designed as the main entrance to Buckingham Palace.

In 1837 Queen Victoria became Queen and Buckingham Palace became the official royal palace. Architect Edward Blore took over from Nash, and Marble Arch was moved to its present location, at Tyburn, to allow further expansion to cater for the requirements of Queen Victoria's growing family. Blore, whose designs where simpler than those of Nash, added a fourth wing facing The Mall which enclosed the central courtyard. Building work continued into the 20th century and, in 1912, Blore's facade, on the East Front, was redesigned by Sir Aston Webb to give us the one we see today.

Today Buckingham Palace is one of the world's most recognizable buildings and the weekday home to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The palace has a number of other functions based around the activities of the UK's royal family. It is the, London residence of the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, home to the offices of the Royal Household and venue to countless events such as state receptions and the famous Garden Parties.

Although most people assume that Buckingham Palace is the private property of the Queen it, along with Windsor Castle and both their art collections, belong to the nation. Buckingham Palace has always been a popular tourist attraction and many flock to see daily pageant of the Changing of the Queen's Guard, which takes place in the palace's forecourt. Another well known feature of the palace it The Queen's Life Guard, a mounted guard at the entrance to Horse Guards.

In 1993 Buckingham Palace opened its doors to the public for the first time. The Queen's Gallery is open, daily, all year round and where it is possible to view up to 450 works from the Royal Collection. Also open all year, but only on certain days, are the Royal Mews which are the British Royal Family's stables in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. It is here that you can see the famous Gold State Coach along with several other carriages and about thirty horses.

Hotels Near Buckingham Palace:

Rubens At The Palace, London
4 star
39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, London, SW1W 0PS

Rooms from: £128

Stunning Boutique style hotel overlooking Buckingham Palace and Mews. 'No request too large, no detail too small'. Providing guests with outstanding personal service and exceptional comfort.

This stunning, four-star deluxe hotel is London's second highest rated four-star hotel. Adjacent to Buckingham Palace Gardens, opposite the Royal mews, the glass-panelled lounge offers fantastic views of the pageantry and Royal occasions. Each room has been personally designed with thoughtful extras for business travellers as well as homely comforts for all of our leisure clientele.

The attractive breakfast buffet and carvery dinner are available in Old Masters Restaurant, whilst fine dining in The Library caters for all tastes. You have to ask yourself when staying at the Rubens: Is there anything they haven't thought of to make a guest's stay so very special?

Crowne Plaza London St James, London
4 star
45-51 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AF

Rooms from: £199

The Crowne Plaza London St James, with its own tranquil courtyard, is only five minutes from Buckingham Palace. Our four-star deluxe hotel combines the best central London location with supremely comfortable accommodation.

Enjoy the warmth and great hospitality of Crowne Plaza London St James in beautiful, well-appointed rooms and suites, many with views onto the stunning central fountain. The elegant Edwardian rooms, in combination with the tranquil courtyard, are the ideal London location for your special celebration. Our elegant Standard, Superior and Deluxe rooms and suites, each with their own individual style and charm, feature technology for the 21st century business traveller. Non-smoking rooms and facilities for disabled guests are available. All rooms are comfortable and well appointed. The hotel offers 24-hour room service and the lively Hampton's Bar, open every day and serving only the best in refreshments and cocktails. There are also three highly acclaimed restaurants: Café Mediterranée's contemporary European cuisine and relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Quilon Restaurant and Bar focuses on Indian southern coastal cuisine. Bank, Westminster and Zander Bar serves the very best of contemporary British cuisine, created and served by accomplished professionals in a style that transcends fashion. During the summer months, enjoy drinks and light snacks in The Courtyard. The hotel's Meeting Success at Crowne Plaza promises the most efficient service for business needs, with a range of 20 conference and private dining rooms, each with state-of-the art facilities. Whether you are travelling on business or for leisure, visit our excellent e-business centre and make use of our photocopying and faxing services.