LONDON GUIDE!

With a world famous facade, the Buckingham Palace in London has been the official residence of Britain's monarchy since 1837. This is where the Queen hosts the innumerable official receptions and events and houses the offices of the Queen's and the Duke of Edinburgh's staff.

The palace with its 775 rooms has evolved from an erstwhile townhouse owned by the Dukes of Buckingham at the beginning of the eighteenth century. In 1761, Buckingham House, as it was earlier known as, was acquired by George III who rechristened it as "The Queen's Residence". Architects John Nash and Edward Blore expanded the structure as we see it today, over a span of 75 years!

During the Annual Summer Opening in the months of August and September, the Staterooms and some other sections of the palace are thrown open to the general public and tourists. Displayed here are some of the greatest works of arts such as paintings and sculptures by renowned artistes such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Canova and Chantrey as well as some of the finest furniture of the English and French style.

One of the major attractions for the tourists is the ceremonial Change of Guards that takes place in the forecourt of the palace during summer. Starting at 11.30 am everyday during summer and every alternate day in winter, this routine lasts for 45 minutes.

Located at a walking from The Buckingham Palace are some of London's other amazing sites that include Big Ben, 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, St James Palace, The Thames and Houses of Parliament.

Visiting the Buckingham Palace:

Address: Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, London, SW1A 1AA

Telephon: +44 (0)20 7766 7300

Cost: £15 (Adults), £13.50 (Concs), £8.50 (Children under 17), Free (Children under 5), £38.50 (Family)

Time: Jul to Sep: 9:45 to 18:00 Daily

Nearest Underground Stations:
Victoria Tube (8 minutes)
Green Park Tube (9 minutes)

For more information on Buckingham Palace, please visit : www.royal.gov.uk

What's on at Buckingham Palace, London:

The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Jul - Sep '09 (annual)
Visitors have the chance to walk around rooms in Buckingham Palace, officially the Queen's main royal palace.