Buckingham Palace

This is the most iconic and the most famous building in London. It’s the symbol of the British Monarchy. Buckingham Palace attracts most of the tourists coming to London. Tourists can attend to the changing of the guard. It’s the most famous Royal residence of the Royal family. Formerly known as Buckingham house, which is a private ownership town house. From its construction in 1703 until its acquisition in 1761 by King George III. The house remains a private residence for Queen Charlotte.

During the 19th Century the Buckingham house undergoes transformation and extension including the construction of the Marble arch. Under the reign of King George IV the architects transform the house into a proper Palace. Buckingham Palace turns into what it is today. Although the term “Palace” is mentioned at least from 1791. The style for the external façade is French neoclassical. The Marble arch which now stand at the North East corner of Hyde Park after its relocation in 1851. The designers of the Marble arch found inspiration from the Arch of Constantine in Rome and The Arch de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris.

Victorian Era and 20th Century

Buckingham Palace becomes the official Royal residence at the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. During the Victorian era the Buckingham Palace in London becomes the official residence of the British Monarch. Queen Victoria is the first Monarch to reside in Buckingham Palace in London. However the Royal couple find the palace too small. Following the death of her husband, Queen Victoria decides to live in Windsor Castle most of the time. So she withdrew herself from public life as she faced grief and sorrow. Leaving Buckingham Palace uninhabited until her death. The palace keeps being the main residence of the British Monarch after her reign.

In the early 20th Century King Edward VII redecorate the Palace in the Belle epoque style from the late 19th/early 20th Century. During WWII the Palace is bombed 9 times and the most important incident is the destruction of the Palace Chapel in 1940. Also the Royals refused to leave the Palace during that period of conflict.

Queen Elizabeth II

Since 1962 the Queen’s Gallery (Now the King’s Gallery) is open to the public. The Gallery is an art Gallery located on the site of the Palace Chapel as mentioned above. Its states rooms are also open to the public since 1993. This is a mean of funding for the restoration of Windsor Castle following the 1992 fire. The late Queen Elizabeth II lived in the private apartments on the North side of the Palace. In 2020 she decides to live permanently at Windsor Castle due to the Covid-19 Pandemic which she found more comfortable.

Charles III

When King Charles ascend to the throne in 2022, Clarence House is his main residence. Clarence House is his home since 2003 while some renovation works are not complete in Buckingham Palace. However Buckingham Palace is still the place for official receptions, appointment of the new Prime Minister, Trooping the colours, ceremonies and for other official occasions. You will notice there are different flags flies on the mast. The Royal standard shows the presence of the King and the Union Jack means the King is absent.

The Queen Victoria Memorial

This monument is the first thing you see when heading to Buckingham Palace. Following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The importance of erecting a monument dedicated to her emerges. As her reign refers to the Victorian era which saw a period of growth and prosperity and development. The design starts during that year and unveiled in 1911 but not complete before 1924. The memorial became the main spot for taking pictures of the Palace.