Buckingham Palace

Originally owned by the Duke of Buckingham, this globally-renowned palace was built in 1703 as a private mansion. It became the official royal palace when Queen Victoria acceded to the throne in 1837. Over the centuries, it underwent a series of extensions that turned it into the grand and sumptuous palace we see today. Monarchs have successively ruled England from this huge palace, which comprises hundreds of rooms, including the throne hall and the ballroom. Nowadays, it is one of the few royal palaces which is still operational. Queen Elizabeth II decided to open it to the public during her reign. However, only a few of the rooms can be visited, and only for a short period of the year, when the royal family is not on the premises. You can tell at any time whether or not the royal family is in the palace: if you look up and see the blue, white and gold flag, in other words the Royal Banner, then the monarchs are inside! Practical, isn’t it? You will have the impression of being just a few steps away from England’s most iconic figures. Also, you may want to watch the famous Changing of the Guard, a spectacular ceremony that has been going on for years and attracts many tourists! Needless to say, Buckingham Palace is one of the most visited sites in England! It’s worth noting that the palace has survived both world wars. It was not attacked during World War I and was partially hit during World War II, but it was not totally destroyed like so many great European monuments. Moreover, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, who were inside the palace, were miraculously spared. A true symbol of British strength and power in the midst of attack! This further strengthens the admiration that Londoners and the English in general have for their monarchs and their majestic palace!