Buckingham Palace

In 1761 George III bought Buckingham House for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a family home close to St James's Palace. Over the years the house has been remodelled by John Nash, Edward Blore, Thomas Cubitt and Sir Aston Webb to give us the Palace we see today.

Buckingham Palace is now the official residence of Queen Elizabeth and some of her family. When the Queen is in residence you will see the flag flying. It has been the official residence of the sovereign since 1837, Queen Victoria was the first to take up residence in the palace.

Buckingham Palace

The Royal Standard

The flag seen flying above the palace when the queen is in residence is called the Royal Standard and is made up of four quadrants. The 1st and forth quadrants of the flag hosts the three lions passant guardant of England. The 2nd quadrant contains the lion rampant, the Royal Standard of the King of Scots and finally the Irish harp in the 3rd quadrant.

The Royal Standard

Security

The palace is guarded by 5 regiments of the foot guard who are instantly recognisable in their scarlet tunics and black bearskins. (See changing of the guard).

Visitors

The state rooms of the palace are open to visitors in August and September when her Majesty takes up residence at Balmoral Castle. For more information visit the official site of the British Monarchy The British Monarchy