For centuries the British monarchs built or bought palaces, which over time have served as the homes and administrative headquarters of the monarchy, and have also housed the British government. Some of these palaces were destroyed a long time ago, but many are still in use today.
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.
The Tower of London is a royal fortress on the River Thames. It was built by William the Conqueror between 1066 and 1067, enlarged by subsequent sovereigns and is one of the most famous castles today. Its history spans over 900 years, during which it was used as a royal palace, stronghold, prison and place of execution. Today the fortress is particularly famous for its 'Bloody Tower', in which two princes are said to have been murdered in 1483, and for the Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters). The biggest attraction is the permanent exhibition of the breathtaking Crown Jewels, which the royal family still uses today.
Royal Palaces outside London
Windsor Castle [photo © BBC]
Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest castle still in use, is the private residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The estate has witnessed 900 years of British history and the splendid State Rooms and artefacts reflect the taste of previous kings and queens. Visitors to this gothic-style castle should not miss St. George's Chapel, the setting of many royal weddings and burial site of numerous sovereigns of former times. Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones got married there in 1999. Every spring and summer, concerts are held in the Jubilee Garden, which was created in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Sandringham House is set among lakes and picturesque Norfolk countryside in Eastern England. Since 1862 it has been home to four generations of sovereigns. The Queen and other members of the British royal family spend the Christmas period there and it serves as their official residence from December to February. In the spring, a great variety of plants come into flower on the premises of Sandringham House, including lavender, which can be admired in all its glory on the nearby Norfolk Lavender Farm. The house, museum and park are all open to the public.
Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has been a popular royal residence since Queen Victoria was on the throne. Nowadays, Queen Elizabeth and her family spend every August and September there. The castle is set in an area of tremendous rural beauty and royal cultural heritage. The park, gardens and ballroom are open to visitors from mid-April to the end of June.
Hampton Court Palace [photo © BBC], situated in the English county of Surrey, is the royal palace of Henry VIII. In addition to his apartments, the baroque quarters of King William III can also be admired. The marvellous flower gardens, the large maze and the secret gardens are particularly popular with visitors. There are regular, free tours and presentations by actors in period costume, who bring Henry's court and the colourful characters of the palace's past back to life.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, which was founded in 1128 as an Augustinian monastery, is the Queen's official Scottish residence. When it was home to Mary, Queen of Scots between 1561 and 1567, the castle played a significant role in Scotland's turbulent royal history, which was characterised by jealousy and murder.
During her annual stay at Holyroodhouse, the Queen hosts garden parties and receives State visitors, such as the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who came to Edinburgh in 2003. Visitors can also view the royal apartments, which are normally used for official purposes. There is another Queen's Gallery at this palace, which exhibits various treasures from the royal estates.
