If there was such a thing as the king of royal residences then Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837, surely takes the crown.
Vast, imposing and iconic, Buckingham Palace is synonymous with Royal celebrations in the capital and a major draw for the thousands of tourists who make the journey down The Mall to take a tour or watch the Changing of the Guard.
When was Buckingham Palace built?
Originally built as Buckingham House in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, it was then acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte. The palace was later expanded by John Nash and Edward Blore, transforming it into the grand palace we see today.
How big is Buckingham Palace?
With 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms, Buckingham Palace is a working property. It hosts state banquets, receptions and investitures, and serves as the venue for weekly audiences with the Prime Minister. The balcony, famous for royal appearances, has provided the backdrop for jubilees, weddings and national celebrations.
The gardens, spanning 39 acres, are the largest private gardens in London, with over 1,000 trees, including 98 plane trees and 85 species of oak. Stand out features include its herbaceous border, wildflower meadow and rose garden.
Does Buckingham Palace have a swimming pool?
Yes, there is a swimming pool in Buckingham Palace – King George VI commissioned its construction in 1938 as a surprise for his daughters Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth. King Charles and his siblings reportedly learned to swim there, as well as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Senior members of the royal household are allowed to use the pool but they must check whether royal family members are planning to swim in it, otherwise they cannot. Unsurprisingly, the exterior is covered with darkened glass and no public photos of it exist.
Does the Royal Family still live in Buckingham Palace?
It's been reported that King Charles III doesn't actually spend very much of his time living in Buckingham Palace.
Instead, he chooses to split his time between a number of his other homes; mainly Clarence House when he's in London.
Can I visit Buckingham Palace?
The palace’s State Rooms are open to visitors each summer and on selected dates in winter and spring.
Did you know?
The site where Buckingham Palace now stands was was once a mulberry garden established by King James I in an attempt to cultivate silkworms. However, he chose the wrong type of mulberry bush, so silk production failed to flourish in Britain.
Discover more about the UK's royal history
- From exploding corpses to fatal feasts, which English monarch had the most gruesome death?
- Armoured plating, 23K gold and secret wartime journeys – amazing facts about the Royal Train
- Does the King need a passport to travel?
- How many people did the infamous Tudor king Henry VIII murder during his bloody reign?
- Royal dogs: breeds adored by the British Monarchy, from King Charles' Jack Russell Terriers to Queen Elizabeth II's Corgis
Top image: Buckingham Palace. Credit: Getty
