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What is it?
London’s royal HQ, even though Queen Eliabeth II lived at Buckinham Palace until her death in 2022, it’s not actually where the King resides. Elizabeth’s successor King Charles has decided to remain at home in Clarence House. His royal business, however, is still conducted at the Palace.
Also, did you know that London’s fanciest residence hasn’t always had the iconic façade that most Londoners and tourists will be familiar with today? In fact, up until 1633, the palace wasn’t even royal – it belonged to Lord Goring, who was forced to hand over ownership to the Royal Family (under King George III) due to a flaw in his contract. Whoops! The frontage of the grand structure at the end of the Mall that we see in 2026 then wasn’t added until 1913.
Still, if it weren’t for Lord Goring’s poor knowledge of residential law in seventeenth-century Britain, who knows where the Mountbatten-Windsors would be shacked-up. And as for greeting great hordes of onlookers from that renowned balcony, they have Queen Victoria to thank for that. She requested a large balcony from which she could send off and welcome back her troops. To this day, this is where the Monarch and Royal Family appear for a wave on big occasions.
However, it’s not just major events that’ll see the Royal Family at work here. Buckingham Palace is the genuine head office for the Monarchy and meetings take place daily here, as well as ceremonial occasions with international heads of state.
Why go?
There is still plenty for us norms to have a gander at. All year long you can get a nosey round The King's Gallery, where you’ll find pieces from the Royal Collection. Plus, from February to November the Royal Mews is open for strolling along, and the State Rooms are open throughout August and September (as well as for one-off tours during the year when the King isn’t home).
Don't miss:
The changing of the guard happens daily at 10:45 and lasts around 45 minutes. Arrive early to get a good view, because crowds fill up and fast.
When to visit:
Exclusive Guided Tours are typically available from September to October, with tours starting at various times between 10.30am-5pm. Check the Buckingham Palace website for tickets and announcements.
Ticket info:
Tickets and event information is available from the website.
Time Out tip:
We think The Queen Victoria Memorial at the front and round the side of Buckingham Palace is well worth a look.
Read our full guide to visiting Buckingham Palace.