Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of British monarchs since 1837 and is today the administrative headquarters of the monarch. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

Queen Victoria was the first monarch to take up residence in the palace in July 1837. King William IV never moved in - in fact, he offered the palace as a new home for Parliament after the fire of 1834, but the offer was declined.

For most of the year, Buckingham Palace is the office and London residence of the King and Queen. Since 1993, the palace has been open to the public during summer. Over 50,000 people visit the palace each year as guests at state banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and garden parties.

The King holds weekly audiences with the Prime Minister and receives newly appointed foreign ambassadors at Buckingham Palace. An extensive renovation period is underway from 2017 to 2027.