Feeling like a prince at Buckingham Palace

In the 17th century, King James I began planting mulberry trees for rearing silkworms on the site of what are now the Palace Gardens. A large house already existed on the site at this time. In 1698, it was leased to the man who gave it its name, John Sheffield, the Duke of Buckingham.

It remained the property of the Dukes of Buckingham until 1762, when George III acquired the site as a private family residence for his wife, Queen Charlotte, but St James's Palace remained the official seat of the court. The house was subsequently remodelled and modernised many times until it became Buckingham Palace as we know it today.

Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to reign from Buckingham Palace in 1837. Her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 marked the beginning of Buckingham Palace's use as the royal family's residence, place of entertainment and official workplace. The palace has been home to England's kings and queens through to the royal family we know today.

Ah, the changing of the Royal Guard... It's a moment that many tourists hope to witness during their stay in London. But it's not always easy to watch it properly, what with the crowds and the timetable. It takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11am, but there is already movement in the palace courtyard from 10.30am. Please note that the Changing of the Guard may be cancelled in bad weather, so check the official timetable before you go!

If you're not a fan of English tradition, don't bother! You may have to arrive several hours early if you hope to secure a strategic position to watch the synchronised ballet of the guards dressed in red jackets and bearded caps. They arrive in style, on foot or on horseback, from Wellington Barracks. The ceremony lasts around 40 minutes in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, with music and perfect military choreography.

In the meantime, we try to get a smile out of one of the guards orcatch a glimpse of the King in one of the windows of the royal palace, one of the last remaining in the world.

Every summer, the Royal Family goes on holiday to Scotland. It's the perfect opportunity for Londoners and tourists visiting the English capital to discover Buckingham Palace. No fewer than twenty rooms and flats are open to the public. Luxuriously furnished and decorated, these royal flats are adorned with the finest art collections.

The throne room, grand staircase and ballroom are all waiting to be discovered. At the end of the tour, visitors can stroll through the royal gardens, which offer a magnificent view of the lake and the palace.

🚌 How do I get to Buckingham Palace?

It's not very complicated to get to Buckingham Palace by public transport:

• Green Park station: Jubilee (grey), Piccadilly (dark blue) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
• Buses 11, 211, 239, C1 and C10 also stop nearby.

👉 Hop-on hop-off buses also serve Buckingham Palace.

👛 Buckingham Palace prices

• Full price: £30
• Under 25s: £19.5
• Under 18s: £16.5
• Under 6s: free

To find out all the prices and book your ticket online, go directly to the official Buckingham Palace website. For a few pounds more, you can buy group tickets including Buckingham Palace, the Royal Stables and the Queen's Gallery.

👉 Access to the Changing of the Royal Guard is completely free.

⏰ Buckingham Palace opening times

Buckingham Palace is open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer and occasionally during the winter and spring, check the official website for exact dates. Buckingham Palace is open from 9.30am to 7.30pm in July and August and until 6.30pm at other times.

The Changing of the Guard takes place all year round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11am, so check the official calendar.