Buckingham Palace is likely one of the most recognised administrative headquarters of a monarch across the world. Over the last two centuries, it has served as the official London residence of the sovereigns of the United Kingdom and has been a witness to many historic events. At present, it remains a functioning royal residence, a venue for royal events, while also throwing its doors open for regular visitors every summer.
History of Buckingham Palace
Later, his son George IV commissioned the architect John Nash to reconstruct the building into a grand palace. The architect retained the main block but doubled its size by adding a new suite of rooms on the garden side facing west. The Royal Collection Trust website notes that the state rooms of Buckingham Palace are the public rooms where members of the royal family entertain their guests on occasions. It is also the rooms that are open to the public for visits in summer. On selected occasions, tours are conducted in December, January and at Easter every year. The combo ticket allows additional access to the royal mews and the Queen’s Gallery.
Buckingham Palace was originally Buckingham House, bought in 1761 by George III for his wife, Queen Charlotte, as a family home close to St James’s Palace, where many court functions were held. General visitors to Buckingham Palace can purchase tickets to visit the state rooms throughout the summer months, typically from mid-July to the end of September, from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. The standard ticket includes access to all 19 state rooms in the palace, the garden, as well as a complimentary audio guide.
