Buckingham Palace has opened to visitors this January – in a break of royal tradition

In a break of tradition, King Charles has offered a rare look inside his London residence, Buckingham Palace, for the first two months of the year. 

The landmark home does not conventionally allow the public to tour the property in January and February; however, 2024 comes with an exception. The Royal Collection Trust announced that Buckingham Palace will open its doors every Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 26 February 2024 – meaning we can experience its opulent interiors for ourselves.  

According to the Royal Collection Trust, the 1.5-hour guided tour will take visitors through State Rooms that have played host to internationally recognized events, including the State Dining Room, which played host to Prince William and Princess Kate's wedding reception in 2011. The tour also passes through the White Drawing Room (pictured below), where Queen Elizabeth II recorded some of her Christmas broadcasts.

As arguably the most famous royal residence of all, it is unsurprising that the rooms inside Buckingham Palace exhibit some of the grandest interiors globally. An important representation of Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian interior styles, the palace results from years of work from celebrated nineteenth-century architects, most notably John Nash and Sir Aston Webb. 

However, the building's history dates back to the reign of James I in the early 17th century, who launched a plantation of mulberries where the Buckingham Palace Gardens now stand. 

In the centuries that followed, the palace evolved significantly from its original form. Most recently, the Royal Collection Trust notes that The Queen's Gallery was completely refurbished and expanded in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee. 

Today, Buckingham Palace comprises 775 rooms –including 19 staterooms (many of which are explored during the door), 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. There is also an indoor swimming pool, a doctor's office, a chapel, and a movie theatre.

Despite its grandeur, however, it's worth noting that the palace is not King Charles and Queen Camilla's primary home. Instead, the monarchy continued to live in Clarence House, located only a stone's throw from the palace on The Mall. Clarence House allows visitors at specific points of the year; however, unlike Buckingham Palace, it remains closed for the coming weeks.

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