The royal residences are spread out across the country and are an unparalleled tourist attraction. Every year around 1.7 million visitors flock to the palaces and castles to learn about the history and the modern life of the royal family. The architecture and furnishing of the royal palaces reflect the personalities of previous ruling families.

Many of the stately homes, such as Balmoral Castle, are still used by the Queen and her family. Others, such as the Palace of Westminster, have lost their connection to the royal dynasty over the years and today are only entered by the royals on special occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament.

Royal palaces in London

Buckingham Palace [photo © BBC]
Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the Royal Head of State since 1837. Situated right in the heart of London, it is the best-known of all of Britain's royal palaces. In August and September, when the Queen takes her annual holiday in Scotland, the palace's 19 magnificently-furnished State Rooms are open to the public. For the rest of the year they are used for official receptions or banquets, State visits and inaugural ceremonies. Visits to Buckingham Palace can be combined with visits to The Queen's Gallery, which was recently renovated. Regular exhibitions present a wide range works of art from the royal family's collection. In the royal stables, visitors can view the exclusive State coaches and vehicles, which are still used on official occasions.

The current exhibition in the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace is "George III and Queen Charlotte - Patronage, Collecting and Court Taste".
The medieval Palace of Westminster served as a royal residence for many years, but has been occupied by the British government since Henry VIII left in 1512. A fire in 1834 destroyed most of the buildings and all that is left of it today are Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower. The Houses of Parliament, including the large bell tower with Big Ben, its famous clock, were built during the 30 years that followed. Nowadays the royal family usually only enters the palace for the State Opening of Parliament. Members of the public can attend the sittings of the House of Commons of the House of Lords and thus learn about the procedures at the Houses of Parliament.

Kensington Palace [photo © BBC]
London's Kensington Palace is of great historical significance. Queen Victoria was born and grew up there. It is also the former residence of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. Today the several members of the royal family, including Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, have their offices and private living quarters there. In addition, Kensington Palace houses the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, with its huge variety of ceremonial outfits from the last three centuries. The historical areas of Kensington Palace are open to the public.
The Banqueting House is the only part of the former Whitehall Palace that did not burn down in 1698. Renowned for its paladin structure and ceilings painted by Rubens, the Palace formerly served as the headquarters of the British ruling dynasties and became famous as the site of Charles 1's execution.

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