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Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official and main London home. It has been the official London residence of Britain’s monarchy since 1837. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live there.

Buckingham Palace is not only the home of the Queen and Prince Philip, but also the London residence of the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children.

Buckingham Palace is used also for the administrative work for the monarchy. It is here in the state apartments that Her Majesty receives and entertains guests invited to the Palace.

Buckingham Palace was originally a grand house built by the Duke of Buckingham for his wife. George IV began transforming it into a palace in 1826.

When the Queen is in residence, you can see the Royal Standard flying from the flag pole on top of the Palace.

Five regiments of Foot Guards guard the Palace.

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. 

Buckingham Palace is 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the quadrangle) and 24 metres high. The total floor area of the Palace, from basement to roof, covers over 77,000 square metres.  Buckingham Palace’s garden covers 40 acres.

About 400 people work at the Palace, including domestic servants, chefs, footmen, cleaners, plumbers, gardeners, chauffers, electricians, and two people who look after the 300 clocks.

Every year, more than 50,000 people come to the Palace each year as guests to banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions, and Royal Garden Parties.

It is definitely my favourite Royal residence!