What is Buckingham Palace?
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. It has 775 rooms and is used for state banquets, receptions and royal events, as well as the famous balcony appearances.
The palace began as Buckingham House, built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. King George III bought it in 1761 as a private home for Queen Charlotte.
It was enlarged in the 1800s by architects John Nash and Edward Blore. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live there, moving in in 1837.
Inside the palace
The palace has 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. Its gardens are the largest private garden in London.
The State Rooms are open to the public during the summer. Visitors can see paintings by artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer from the Royal Collection.
When the monarch is in residence, the Royal Standard flies from the palace. Otherwise, the Union Flag is flown. The Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt. The palace is undergoing a major renovation program.