Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns.
Originlly a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen’s official residence, with 775 rooms, as well as being the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.
Today the State Rooms are used extensively by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis. During August and September when The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace’s nineteen state rooms are open to visitors.
The Robot suggests:
- Changing of the Guard
- The Royal Mews
Changing the Guard
The Guard Change takes place at 11:30 daily from May until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting. The new guards arrive at the forecourt of the Palace at 11:30 from Wellington Barracks. The journey takes about 5 minutes and the soldiers are accompanied by a band. The ceremony is conducted on the Palace forecourt and takes approximately forty minutes to complete.
Opening times for the State Rooms:
1 August – 27 September 2009
09:45 – 18:00
A visit lasts between 2 and 2½ hours
Nearest stations:
Network Rail – London Victoria
Underground – Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner
By bus:
11, 211, 239, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road
Address:
Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA (Map)
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