Buckingham+Palace

= = = Buckingham Palace = = = = = == = =

** History of Buckingham Palace **
The History of Buckingham Palace began in 1702 when the Duke of Buckingham had it built as his London home. The Duke's son sold the house in 1761 to George III, it was renamed "Queen's House" in 1774 as Queen Charlotte resided there. When it passed to George IV in 1820, Nash was commissioned to make alterations to the palace. The main block was retained but a new suite of rooms was added facing west into the garden, doubling the size of the building. The French Neo Classical style was the influence for the design. The re-modeled state rooms remain unchanged from Nash's original design.

Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official and main royal London home. It has been the official London residence of Britain's monarchy since 1837. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live there. Buckingham Palace is not only the home of the Queen and Prince Philip but also the London residence of the Duke of York (Prince Andrew) and the Earl and Countess of Wessex (Prince Edward and his wife) and their daughter. Buckingham Palace is used also for the administrative work for the monarchy. It is here in the state apartments that Her Majesty receives and entertains guests invited to the Palace.
 * Who lives in Buckingham Palace today?**



When the Queen is at home, you can see her royal flag flying from the flag pole on top of Buckingham Palace. This flag is called the Royal Standard. The flag is split into four quadrants. The first and fourth quadrants represent England and contain three gold lions walking (passant) on a red field; the second quadrant represents Scotland contains a red lion standing on the left hind foot (rampant) on a gold field; the third quadrant represents Ireland and contains the gold Coat of arms of Ireland on a blue field. Buckingham Palace’s 19 state rooms are open to visitors during August and September while the Queen makes her annual visit to Balmoral Castle. The State rooms house some of the Royal family’s greatest treasures including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto. They are also exquisitely furnished with some of the finest French and English furniture.

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Inside the Buckingham Palace Palace
The Inside has around 600 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, 92 offices, a cinema and a swimming pool. It also has its own post office and police station. About 400 people work at the Palace, including domestic servants, chefs, footmen, cleaners, plumbers, gardeners, chauffers, electricians, and two people who look after the 300 clocks.



The summer Openning of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will be 27 july - 29 september 2010. Further dates may be ad​ded.

** Timing your visit **
A typical visit lasts between 2 and 2½ hours.

(includes audio guide) Adult £17.00 Over 60/ Student (with valid ID) £15.50 Under 17 £9.75 Under 5 Free Family £45.00 (2 adults and 3 under 17s)
 * The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace**

(This ticket gives admission to three sites: The State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace) (only available 27 July - 29 September 2010) Adult £30.50 Over 60/ Student (with valid ID) £27.50 Under 17 £17.50 Family £80.00 (2 adults and 3 under 17s)
 * A Royal Day Out**

Contact details
Ticket Sales and Information Office The Official Residences of The Queen London SW1A 1AA Telephone (+44) (0)20 7766 7300 Fax (+44) (0)20 7930 9625 E-mail bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk

Nearest Tube: Victoria, St James's Park or Green Park

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** Changing of the guard **
Five regiments of Foot Guards guard the Palace. When the guards come on duty, there is a ceremony called the Changing of the Guard. They wear red jackets and tall, furry hats called bearskins. In August you might not see the soldiers wearing the red uniforms as often other regiments guard the Queen during this month. In winter months and when it is raining the soldiers will wear grey capes over their uniforms

==== Changing the Guard takes place at 11:30 daily from May until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting. There is no Guard Mounting Ceremony in very wet weather. The new guards arrive at the forecourt of the Palace at 11:30 from Wellington Barracks. The journey takes about 5 minutes and the soldiers are accompanied by a band. The ceremony is conducted on the Palace forecourt and takes approximately forty minutes to complete. It is best to arrive by 11am as several other ceremonies happen outside the palace. ====

** Provisional Schedule for 2010 **
==== (note that this schedule is set by the British Army and is subject to change. Please for more information about Changing the Guard check the site **British Army website** prior to a visit) ====

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