Buckingham Palace, London

Buckingham Palace is the biggest royal palace in the world still in use and the official residence of the British sovereign. It is frequently the site of official ceremonies and state occasions, and a prime tourist attraction in London. It holds strong emotional value for British citizens.
Buckingham Palace was a big townhouse in the early 18th century, commissioned by the Duke of Buckingham. It was then known as Buckingham House. It became the private residence of King George III in 1762. It was enlarged extensively in the decades that followed, and became the royal palace of Queen Victoria in 1837.
The golden age of the palace began with the turn of the 20th century. Edward VII and his wife Queen Alexandra often held parties and celebrations here, making the palace a focal point of society. At this time the palace was a splendid affair with its Ballroom, Marble Hall, Grand Staircase, Grand Entrance and galleries, featuring a beautiful Belle Epoque design and tasteful color scheme. During the reign of King George V the palace saw great improvements as well. His wife Queen Mary had a keen interest in art. She restored and supplemented the royal art and furniture collection. The queen also decorated what today is known as the Blue Drawing Room. This 21 m long room was previously a ceiling.
The main rooms of the palace are located on the piano nobile in the rear. The Music Room forms the centerpiece in this area. Next to it are the White and the Blue Drawing rooms. The Picture Gallery links these edifices. It is 50 m long and features masterpieces by Vermeer, Rubens, Rembrandt and other artists of that calibre. Other notable rooms in this area are the Green Drawing Room and the opulent Throne Room. These rooms are used for official ceremonies.
A new wing was added to the palace in the mid-19th century. The rooms here feature a remarkable Oriental design with Chinese and Indian influences. The Yellow Drawing Room has unique wallpaper, produced in the 18th century. The chimney piece is typically Chinese, decorated with dragons and mandarins. The center of the wing is formed by the well-known balcony. Behind it is the Centre Room, another edifice redecorated by Queen Mary.
When heads of state come upon official visits to Britain they stay at the Belgian suite, located on the ground floor of the palace. These rooms have hallways with beautiful saucer domes. They were designed for the uncle of Prince Albert and later occupied by King Edward VIII, who was in power for a very short time.
Today the dress code of the palace is not as strict as in the past. Formal outfits are no longer mandatory. Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald visited the palace in a lounge suit in 1924. Generally the dress code was very formal until WWII.
The biggest room in the palace is the Victorian Ballroom. Distinguished individuals are traditionally knighted here. During these ceremonies the queen stands beneath a large velvet canopy. A military band sets the tone as the honors are presented.
Buckingham's garden parties are the biggest functions, attended by as many as 9000 people at a time. At such events the national anthem is performed by a military band.
The palace is not only the residence of the Queen. It is also the place of employment for 450 people. Around 50 000 people visit the palace for receptions and banquets each year. The palace also provides a setting for the Changing of the Guard, a prime tourist attraction.
Buckingham Palace houses a large number of priceless treasures, which belong to the British nation. These include furniture, fittings, art works and other historical remnants. The treasures form the Royal Collection. The public can view it at certain times of the year.
The palace is also home to Prince Philip, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and the Duke of York. It is younger than most British royal castles and palaces. Today it is a symbol of the monarchy.