 Buckingham Palace 
Buckingham Palace - A Royal Tradition
Recommendation added: 09/05/2007 19:36
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +191)velvet202 has been thanked 7 times for this contribution
"I come from a very culturally-oriented background. In fact, I don't know how to live without my regular cultural boost.
So, when my family from Denver visited me recently I naturally took them to see Buckingham Palace. Why? you may ask. Because no other sight in London can offer one more history and culture than the residence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Buckingham Palace is the nucleus of the British monarchy's activities. It is the administrative heart of the British monarchy. It contains the offices of those who co-ordinate the daily duties and activities of the royal family, as well as providing the venue for official ceremonies and state visits.
Now, I'm not the least interested in politics, nor in the Queen (bless her heart), but there has to be something more to this great building with its yellow-goldish walls and the security of an FBI building.
I'm glad to say that many people share my opinion. Apparently, Buckingham Palace receives an estimated 50,000 guests per year, invited to many different functions including garden parties, banquets and receptions. Certain areas of the Palace are open to the public, and have been so since the early 1990s (as far as I remember), but mostly visitors to London and members of the British public alike congregate outside the gates of the Palace to marvel at the splendour of the Queen's home and to see whether she is at home, as indicated by the flying of the Royal Standard from the roof at the East Front.
Buckingham Palace takes its name from the Duke of Buckingham, who commissioned the building of a townhouse to serve as his London home. The House was later sold to King George III.
When the throne, and consequently Buckingham Palace, passed to King George IV, he commissioned royal architect John Nash to transform the building into a state place. New wings were added to the front, and the rear of the Palace was extended, which doubled the size of the building. Tragically, George IV was never to reside in it as he died before the work was completed.
Queen Victoria was the first reigning monarch to reside in Buckingham Palace and promptly decided that it was too small for her. In the 19th century, she had a new wing constructed. The grand garden gateway, now famously known as Marble Arch, was too narrow for the coaches and was therefore removed and taken to Tyburn, where it still remains. Other than that, no further changes to the building have been made.
Probably better known than the Palace itself is the Royal Mews, which is located behind the Palace in Buckingham Palace Road. Buckingham Palace Road is a very narrow street, easy to miss even with an A-Z street map, but it is a beautiful place that will take you back in time to the London of the late 19th century. In addition to impressively decorated buildings, it houses all the state vehicles which are immaculately kept for use on ceremonial occasions. The impressive collection includes the Gold State coach of 1871, used at the coronation of George IV – or so I was told -, and employed at every coronation since as well as the Glass Bridal Coach, which is used on the occasion of royal weddings.
Household troops have guarded the monarch and the royal residence since, well, long before our time, actually, and in the forecourt of the Palace, this tradition is continued with the Changing of the Guard, which takes place daily during summer months and on alternate days during the winter months. It is a ceremony during which the sentries are changed, and the old guard is relieved of his duties by the new guard – a tradition, which always attracts hundreds of tourists on a daily basis.
Buckingham Palace contains one of the most priceless collections of art in the world today, but it is neither a gallery nor a museum. Some pieces from the Royal Collection can, however, be viewed on entry into the State Rooms of the Palace, which is granted to visitors during the annual summer opening. Works on display include paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, and porcelain. From the State Rooms, you also have a breathtaking view across the private gardens which lie behind the Palace.
Needless to say, my parents were positively surprised by the richness of British beauty and ancestry that is reflected by the Buckingham Palace. Apparently, it's almost as impressive as the White House.
Especially if you're in London, don't miss out on the opportunity to have at least a quick visit to this magnificent place. It'll be worth your while."
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