How to Experience the Royal Splendor of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic and majestic landmarks in London, and the official residence of the British monarch. It is a place where history, art, and royalty come together, and where you can witness the pomp and ceremony of the royal household.
If you want to experience the royal splendor of Buckingham Palace, here are some tips and suggestions for your visit.
When to visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is open to the public for 10 weeks every summer, usually from mid-July to late September, as well as for selected dates in winter and spring. During these times, you can book tickets to tour the State Rooms, which are the lavish reception rooms where the monarch hosts official events and guests.
You can also see the annual special exhibition, which showcases different aspects of the royal collection and history.
In 2023, the special exhibition celebrates the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and displays their magnificent outfits and regalia.
If you visit Buckingham Palace outside these times, you can still enjoy some of its attractions and activities.
You can watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily from May to July and every other day for the rest of the year, weather permitting. You can also visit the Royal Mews, which houses the royal carriages and horses, and the Queen's Gallery, which exhibits works of art from the royal collection.
What to see and do at Buckingham Palace
There are many things to see and do at Buckingham Palace, whether you are a first-time visitor or a royal aficionado.
Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
• The Grand Staircase: This is the first thing you will see when you enter the palace through the main entrance. The stunning bronze staircase was designed by John Nash in the 1820s and features intricate details of acanthus, oak, and laurel leaves. The stairs are lit by an etched glass dome in the ceiling.
• The Throne Room: This is one of the most impressive rooms in the palace, where the monarch receives guests and holds ceremonies. It contains two thrones that are used for investitures and jubilees, as well as portraits of past and present royals. The room also served as a ballroom in the past, and was used as a backdrop for some royal wedding photos.
• The Picture Gallery: This is where you can admire some of the finest paintings in the royal collection, by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, and more. The gallery was originally designed as a setting for George IV's art collection, and has a skylight roof that provides natural light.
• The Ballroom: This is the largest and most versatile room in the palace, measuring 36.6 meters (120 feet) long and 18 meters (59 feet) wide. It was added to the palace in 1854 by Queen Victoria, who used it for state banquets, concerts, balls, and other events. Today, it is still used for official occasions such as state visits, receptions, and awards ceremonies.
• The White Drawing Room: This is one of the most elegant rooms in the palace, decorated with white silk walls, gilded furniture, crystal chandeliers, and a grand piano. It serves as a royal reception room where the monarch and members of the royal family gather before official events. It also contains a hidden door that leads to the monarch's private apartments.
• The Coronation Display: This is a special exhibition that marks the 10th anniversary of King Charles III's coronation in 2023. It showcases his robe of estate, crown jewels, sword of state, scepter, orb, ring, spurs, gloves, anointing spoon, ampulla (oil container), coronation chair, service book, and more. It also displays Queen Camilla's coronation dress and robe of estate.
Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace
To make your visit to Buckingham Palace more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
• Book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date and time slot. Tickets sell out fast during peak season
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time to go through security checks. You will need to present your booking confirmation email or printout at the ticket office
• Use the free audio guide that is included with your ticket. The audio guide is introduced by King Charles III himself and provides interesting information and stories about each room.
• Follow the one-way route that takes you through all 19 State Rooms and exits through the garden. The tour takes about two hours on average
• Respect the rules and regulations of the palace. Photography and filming are not allowed inside the State Rooms, but you can take pictures outside the palace and in the garden. Backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas are not permitted inside the palace, but you can leave them at the cloakroom for free. Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the palace, but you can enjoy refreshments at the Garden Café
• Visit the gift shop and the souvenir guidebook to buy some unique and exclusive items that commemorate your visit to Buckingham Palace. You can also browse and shop online at the Royal Collection Shop.
Buckingham Palace is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to experience the royal splendor of London. It is a place where you can learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the British monarchy, as well as admire the beauty and artistry of the palace and its contents.
Don't miss this opportunity to visit one of the world's most famous and fascinating palaces.
