The palace is built on land purchased by King George III in 1761, originally known as Buckingham House.
A royal standard flag flies above the palace only when the monarch is in residence; otherwise, the Union Flag is flown.
The palace features a private chapel, a swimming pool, and its own post office.
The site includes a 39-acre garden, the largest private garden in London.
During the Blitz in World War II, the palace was bombed nine times, including a direct hit on the chapel in 1940.
The famous balcony, used for royal appearances, was added by Queen Victoria in 1854.
The palace ballroom, added in 1856, was the first room in the building to be illuminated by electricity.
The exterior facade was refaced with Portland stone in 1913 to address damage caused by London's air pollution.
Underneath the palace lies a system of tunnels connecting to nearby government buildings and the London Underground network.
Buckingham Palace serves as the administrative headquarters of the British monarch and the site of official state occasions. The building contains 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The State Rooms are open to the public during specific summer months while the monarch is away. Architecture features a neoclassical facade, significantly remodeled in 1913. The palace is protected by the King's Guard, identifiable by their red tunics and bearskin hats. The Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery are additional on-site visitor facilities. It remains an active working palace, hosting investitures, banquets, and receptions.
The Victoria Memorial pedestal located directly in front of the main palace gates.
Book State Room tickets several months in advance, as they sell out quickly due to the short seasonal window.
Use the provided multimedia guide to understand the history of the artwork in the Picture Gallery.
Check the official website for the daily schedule of the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens outside the gates.
Attempting to enter through the main gates; visitors must use the dedicated entrance on the south side of the palace.
The State Rooms are open for public tours only during the summer months; closed during the remainder of the year.
Security screening is mandatory; photography is prohibited inside the State Rooms.
