Royal Residences: Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch, located in the City of Westminster in London, England. It is a world-renowned landmark that has become synonymous with the British monarchy and has played a significant role in the history of the United Kingdom. Let's dive into the rich history of Buckingham Palace and the royals who have called it home.

Origins of Buckingham Palace

The land on which Buckingham Palace now stands was originally owned by William III's wife, Queen Mary II, who purchased the site in 1698. However, it wasn't until 1761 that George III purchased Buckingham House, which was located on the site, as a private residence for his wife Queen Charlotte.

Over the years, Buckingham House underwent several renovations, including the addition of a large central block and wings by architect John Nash. By 1837, when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne, Buckingham Palace had become the official royal residence, replacing St James's Palace, which had served as the principal residence of the monarchy for over 200 years.

The Royals at Buckingham Palace

Since the time of Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace has been the primary residence of the monarch and has seen the reign of many famous British royals. Here are some of the most notable royals who have lived at Buckingham Palace:

Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria was the first monarch to take up residence at Buckingham Palace. She lived there for over 60 years, and it was during her reign that the palace became the official residence of the monarch.

King Edward VII: Edward VII was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He was known for his love of fashion and style, and his reign saw the introduction of many new trends in the world of fashion.

King George V: George V was the grandson of Queen Victoria and the second son of King Edward VII. He was known for his military service and his efforts to modernize the monarchy.

King George VI: George VI was the younger brother of Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. George VI became king in 1936 and was known for his leadership during World War II.

Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth II lived at Buckingham Palace for 70 years starting from 1952. She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history and has overseen many changes in the country during her reign.

King Charles III: King Charles III is the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth and the current monarch to live at Buckingham Palace, along with other members of the royoal family.

Buckingham Palace Today

Today, Buckingham Palace is open to the public for tours during the summer months and is also used for official state events, receptions, and banquets. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The palace also features a stunning garden, which covers 39 acres and includes a lake, a tennis court, and a helicopter landing area.

In recent years, Buckingham Palace has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure that it remains a safe and secure residence for the monarch. The most recent renovation, which began in 2017, is focused on updating the palace's infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, and is expected to take several years to complete.

The palace has also been the site of many historic events, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and multiple famous balcony appearances to celebrate important events in history.

Buckingham Palace is a symbol of the British monarchy and has played an important role in the history of the United Kingdom. It has been the home of many famous British royals and continues to serve as the official residence of the monarch today. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful gardens, Buckingham Palace is a must-see destination for anyone interested in British history and culture.

Subscribe to get notified when we release our new posts! If you’re on Instagram or Twitter, follow us @duchandbaron, and you can find our podcast by searching ‘The Duchess and the Baron’ on your podcast platform or listen here. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and give us a 'Like' if you enjoyed reading the post! Toodle-pip 👋

~ The Duchess & The Baron