Buckingham Palace

ny first-time visitor to London wants to see Buckingham Palace. This discussion was spawned by my Sis in Tumwater, Washington State, who said if she comes to England, she HAS to see Buckingham Palace. So, I thought some of you might like a little detail on the Royal Building...

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 when it evolved from a town house owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen's official residence, housing seven hundred and seventy five rooms. 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.

The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace provides an opportunity for visitors to see the work of the Royal Household department which provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and car. Here, you will see a permanent display of State vehicles including the magnificent Gold State Coach used for Coronations as well as carriages used for Royal and State occasions, State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament. A State motor vehicle is also often on display.

The regular Changing of the Guard in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace draws thousands of visitors to watch the soldiers and listen to the music. This involves a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard. The soldiers are drawn from one of the five regiments of Foot Guards in the British Army: the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Grenadier Guards and the Coldstream Guards. When The Queen is in residence, there are four sentries at the front of the building. When she is away there are two. The Queen's Guard usually consists of Foot Guards in their full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskins, but if they have operational commitments, other infantry units take part in their place. At Buckingham Palace, Guard Mounting takes place at 11.30 am. This is held daily from May to July, and on alternate dates throughout the rest of the year.

If you are lucky with your timing, you may even catch a glimpse of some members of the Royal Family during occasions when they come out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Worth a visit, if only once in a lifetime.