Buckingham Palace - Fit For a Queen

Today, people from all over the world know Buckingham Palace as the official residence of the British Royal family. It is one of the most visited landmarks in London where tourists are allowed to take guided tours of the staterooms.

The palace is also known for the Changing of the Guard. But Buckingham Palace was not always the large palace that we know today nor was it originally intended as a royal residence.

The building known as Buckingham house was bought in 1761 by King George III for Queen Charlotte. She used it as a family residence because of its close proximity to St. James Palace, which is where the official business of the crown was conducted. It became known affectionately as the Queen's house.

Remodeling of the house began in 1762. Sir William Chambers designed the changes based on the requirements of the royal couple. In 1820, King George IV began remodeling, intending to use it as a pied-a-terre, as past monarchs had done.

However, by 1826 he had had a change of heart and wished to turn the house into a palace. He retained the services of John Nosh as architect who doubled the size of the house by building new rooms on the garden. Eventually he demolished the North and the South wings and rebuilt on a larger scale and built the Marble Arch. By 1929 Nosh was responsible for outrageous cost overruns and was fired. The next year saw the death of George IV and the ascension of his brother, William IV. William hired Edward Blore to finish the job.

It may surprise the reader to know that these kings never actually lived in Buckingham Palace, at least not officially. Indeed, after the London fire of 1834 (which was the greatest fire since 1666) destroyed the Parliament Building, William IV offered Buckingham Palace as the new parliamentary building.

Queen Victoria was the first monarch to move into the Palace and the first to leave from the palace for a coronation. Upon her marriage to Prince Albert the fourth wing was built as it became apparent that the building as it stood was not adequate. Victoria also added the ballroom, which was the largest room in London at the time of its construction. The Royal Family has resided there ever since.

Today, Queen Elizabeth uses the State rooms for official funtions, State dinners, and investitures. Over 50,000 people are invited to the Palace each year. Many more visit to see the State rooms and the Mews. And while the Palace is not a gallery or museum, it is known for its magnificent collections. Truly, Buckingham Palace well represents Britain at its best.