The official London residence of the monarch since Queen Victoria moved there in 1837, Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognisable monuments of the monarchy in London, perched in the midst of central London's green spaces.
The site was originally that of Buckingham House, which was purchased by King George III as a private residence. George IV initiated the development of the building into a royal palace upon his coronation in 1820, and hired architect John Nash to add to the existing structure, who was responsible for the building's neo-classical facade.
Although Nash made considerable additions to the house, neither George IV nor his son William IV ever lived there. Queen Victoria's architect, Edward Blore, carried out more work when she became the first royal resident of the Palace. Since 1901 the building has undergone renovation both within and without, at the hands of both Edward VII and George V.
In 1993 the state rooms were opened to the public - details of how to book a tour can be found on the Royal Collection website.
Although Nash made considerable additions to the house, neither George IV nor his son William IV ever lived there. Queen Victoria's architect, Edward Blore, carried out more work when she became the first royal resident of the Palace. Since 1901 the building has undergone renovation both within and without, at the hands of both Edward VII and George V.
In 1993 the state rooms were opened to the public - details of how to book a tour can be found on the Royal Collection website.
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