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[[File:Duke of Edinburgh 9 Allan Warren.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Duke of Edinburgh seated in the Chinese Luncheon Room]]
[[File:Duke of Edinburgh 9 Allan Warren.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Duke of Edinburgh seated in the Chinese Luncheon Room]]
Directly underneath the State Apartments is a suite of slightly less grand rooms known as the semi-state apartments. Opening from the Marble Hall, these rooms are used for less formal entertaining, such as luncheon parties and private audiences. Some of the rooms are named and decorated for particular visitors, such as the ''1844 Room'', decorated in that year for the State visit of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, and, on the other side of the Bow Room, the ''1855 Room'', in honour of the visit of Emperor Napoleon III of France.<ref>Harris, p. 81.</ref> At the centre of this suite is the Bow Room, through which thousands of guests pass annually to the Queen's Garden Parties in the Gardens.<ref>Harris, p. 40.</ref> The Queen and Prince Philip use a smaller suite of rooms in the north wing.<ref name=Packard1982>{{cite book|author=Jerrold M. Packard|title=The Queen and Her Court: A Guide to the British Monarchy Today|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dfk_5uIFtqIC|year=1982|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-0-684-17648-2|page=48}}</ref>
Directly underneath the State Apartments is a suite of slightly less grand rooms known as the semi-state apartments. Opening from the Marble Hall, these rooms are used for less formal entertaining, such as luncheon parties and private audiences. Some of the rooms are named and decorated for particular visitors, such as the ''1844 Room'', decorated in that year for the State visit of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, and, on the other side of the Bow Room, the ''1855 Room'', in honour of the visit of Emperor Napoleon III of France.<ref>Harris, p. 81.</ref> At the centre of this suite is the Bow Room, through which thousands of guests pass annually to the Garden Parties in the Gardens.<ref>Harris, p. 40.</ref> Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip used a smaller suite of rooms in the north wing.<ref name=Packard1982>{{cite book|author=Jerrold M. Packard|title=The Queen and Her Court: A Guide to the British Monarchy Today|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dfk_5uIFtqIC|year=1982|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-0-684-17648-2|page=48}}</ref>


Between 1847 and 1850, when Blore was building the new east wing, the [[Royal Pavilion]] in [[Brighton]] was once again plundered of its fittings. As a result, many of the rooms in the new wing have a distinctly oriental atmosphere. The red and blue Chinese Luncheon Room is made up from parts of the Brighton Banqueting and Music Rooms with a large oriental chimney piece sculpted by Richard Westmacott.<ref name=HarrisBellaigueMiller87>Harris, de Bellaigue & Miller, p. 87.</ref> The Yellow Drawing Room has wallpaper supplied in 1817 for the Brighton Saloon, and a chimney piece which is a European vision of how the Chinese chimney piece may appear. It has nodding mandarins in niches and fearsome winged dragons, designed by Robert Jones.<ref>Healey, pp. 159–160.</ref>
Between 1847 and 1850, when Blore was building the new east wing, the [[Royal Pavilion]] in [[Brighton]] was once again plundered of its fittings. As a result, many of the rooms in the new wing have a distinctly oriental atmosphere. The red and blue Chinese Luncheon Room is made up from parts of the Brighton Banqueting and Music Rooms with a large oriental chimney piece sculpted by Richard Westmacott.<ref name=HarrisBellaigueMiller87>Harris, de Bellaigue & Miller, p. 87.</ref> The Yellow Drawing Room has wallpaper supplied in 1817 for the Brighton Saloon, and a chimney piece which is a European vision of how the Chinese chimney piece may appear. It has nodding mandarins in niches and fearsome winged dragons, designed by Robert Jones.<ref>Healey, pp. 159–160.</ref>
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The original early 19th-century interior designs, many of which still survive, included widespread use of brightly coloured scagliola and blue and pink lapis, on the advice of SirCharles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle époque cream and gold colour scheme.<ref name=Jones43>Jones, p. 43.</ref>
The original early 19th-century interior designs, many of which still survive, included widespread use of brightly coloured scagliola and blue and pink lapis, on the advice of SirCharles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle époque cream and gold colour scheme.<ref name=Jones43>Jones, p. 43.</ref>


When paying a state visit to Britain, foreign heads of state are usually entertained by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. They are allocated a large suite of rooms known as the Belgian Suite, situated at the foot of the Minister's Staircase, on the ground floor of the north-facing Garden Wing. The rooms of the suite are linked by narrow corridors, one of them is given extra height and perspective by saucer domes designed by Nash in the style of Soane.<ref name=harrisp82>Harris, p. 82.</ref> A second corridor in the suite has Gothic influenced cross over vaulting.<ref name=harrisp82 /> The Belgian Rooms themselves were decorated in their present style and named after Prince Albert's uncle Leopold I, first King of the Belgians. In 1936, the suite briefly became the private apartments of the palace when they were occupied by King Edward VIII.<ref name=fact/>
When paying a state visit to Britain, foreign heads of state are usually entertained by the King at Buckingham Palace. They are allocated a large suite of rooms known as the Belgian Suite, situated at the foot of the Minister's Staircase, on the ground floor of the north-facing Garden Wing. The rooms of the suite are linked by narrow corridors, one of them is given extra height and perspective by saucer domes designed by Nash in the style of Soane.<ref name=harrisp82>Harris, p. 82.</ref> A second corridor in the suite has Gothic influenced cross over vaulting.<ref name=harrisp82 /> The Belgian Rooms themselves were decorated in their present style and named after Prince Albert's uncle Leopold I, first King of the Belgians. In 1936, the suite briefly became the private apartments of the palace when they were occupied by King Edward VIII.<ref name=fact/>


==Ceremonial==
==Ceremonial==
===Investitures===
===Investitures===
Investitures, which include the conferring of knighthoods by dubbing with a sword, and other awards take place in the palace's Ballroom, built in 1854. At {{convert|36.6|m|ft|0|x}} long, {{convert|18|m|ft|0|x}} wide and {{convert|13.5|m|ft|0|x}} high,<ref name=fact/> it is the largest room in the palace. It has replaced the throne room in importance and use. During investitures, the Queen stands on the throne dais beneath a giant, domed velvet canopy, known as a shamiana or a baldachin, that was used at the Delhi Durbar in 1911.<ref>Harris, p. 72.</ref> A military band plays in the musicians' gallery as award recipients approach the Queen and receive their honours, watched by their families and friends.<ref name=Healey364>Healey, p. 364.</ref>
Investitures, which include the conferring of knighthoods by dubbing with a sword, and other awards take place in the palace's Ballroom, built in 1854. At {{convert|36.6|m|ft|0|x}} long, {{convert|18|m|ft|0|x}} wide and {{convert|13.5|m|ft|0|x}} high,<ref name=fact/> it is the largest room in the palace. It has replaced the throne room in importance and use. During investitures, the King stands on the throne dais beneath a giant, domed velvet canopy, known as a shamiana or a baldachin, that was used at the Delhi Durbar in 1911.<ref>Harris, p. 72.</ref> A military band plays in the musicians' gallery as award recipients approach the King and receive their honours, watched by their families and friends.<ref name=Healey364>Healey, p. 364.</ref>


===State banquets===
===State banquets===
State banquets also take place in the Ballroom; these formal dinners are held on the first evening of a state visit by a foreign head of state.<ref name=Healey364/> On these occasions, for up to 170 guests in formal "white tie and decorations", including tiaras, the dining table is laid with the Grand Service, a collection of silver-gilt plate made in 1811 for the Prince of Wales, later George IV.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2457467/Royal-seal-of-approval-for-state-banquet-exhibition.html|title=Royal seal of approval for state banquet exhibition|date=25 July 2008|accessdate=31 January 2016|publisher=The Telegraph}}</ref> The largest and most formal reception at Buckingham Palace takes place every November when the Queen entertains members of the diplomatic corps.<ref>Healey, p. 362.</ref> On this grand occasion, all the state rooms are in use, as the royal family proceed through them,<ref>Hedley, p. 16.</ref> beginning at the great north doors of the Picture Gallery. As Nash had envisaged, all the large, double-mirrored doors stand open, reflecting the numerous crystal chandeliers and sconces, creating a deliberate optical illusion of space and light.<ref>Robinson, p. 18.</ref>
State banquets also take place in the Ballroom; these formal dinners are held on the first evening of a state visit by a foreign head of state.<ref name=Healey364/> On these occasions, for up to 170 guests in formal "white tie and decorations", including tiaras, the dining table is laid with the Grand Service, a collection of silver-gilt plate made in 1811 for the Prince of Wales, later George IV.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2457467/Royal-seal-of-approval-for-state-banquet-exhibition.html|title=Royal seal of approval for state banquet exhibition|date=25 July 2008|accessdate=31 January 2016|publisher=The Telegraph}}</ref> The largest and most formal reception at Buckingham Palace takes place every November when the King entertains members of the diplomatic corps.<ref>Healey, p. 362.</ref> On this grand occasion, all the state rooms are in use, as the royal family proceed through them,<ref>Hedley, p. 16.</ref> beginning at the great north doors of the Picture Gallery. As Nash had envisaged, all the large, double-mirrored doors stand open, reflecting the numerous crystal chandeliers and sconces, creating a deliberate optical illusion of space and light.<ref>Robinson, p. 18.</ref>


====Other ceremonies and functions====
====Other ceremonies and functions====
Smaller ceremonies such as the reception of new ambassadors take place in the "1844 Room". Here too, the Queen holds small lunch parties, and often meetings of the Privy Council. Larger lunch parties often take place in the curved and domed Music Room, or the State Dining Room. On all formal occasions, the ceremonies are attended by the Yeomen of the Guard in their historic uniforms, and other officers of the court such as the Lord Chamberlain.<ref>Healey, pp. 363–365.</ref>
Smaller ceremonies such as the reception of new ambassadors take place in the "1844 Room". Here too, the King holds small lunch parties, and often meetings of the Privy Council. Larger lunch parties often take place in the curved and domed Music Room, or the State Dining Room. On all formal occasions, the ceremonies are attended by the Yeomen of the Guard in their historic uniforms, and other officers of the court such as the Lord Chamberlain.<ref>Healey, pp. 363–365.</ref>


Since the bombing of the palace chapel in World War&nbsp;II, royal christenings have sometimes taken place in the Music Room. The Queen's first three children were all baptised there.<ref>Robinson, p. 49.</ref>
Since the bombing of the palace chapel in World War&nbsp;II, royal christenings have sometimes taken place in the Music Room. Queen Elizabeth II's first three children were all baptised there.<ref>Robinson, p. 49.</ref>


The largest functions of the year are the Queen's Garden Parties for up to 8,000 invitees in the Garden.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GardenParties/TheGuests.aspx|website=Official Website of the British Monarchy|author=Royal Household|title=Garden parties: The guests|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117060104/http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GardenParties/TheGuests.aspx|archivedate=17 January 2013}}</ref>
The largest functions of the year are the Garden Parties for up to 8,000 invitees in the Garden.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GardenParties/TheGuests.aspx|website=Official Website of the British Monarchy|author=Royal Household|title=Garden parties: The guests|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117060104/http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GardenParties/TheGuests.aspx|archivedate=17 January 2013}}</ref>


==Garden, Royal Mews and The Mall==
==Garden, Royal Mews and The Mall==
[[File:West facade of Buckingham Palace.JPG|right|thumb|300px|The west façade seen from the palace garden]]
[[File:West facade of Buckingham Palace.JPG|right|thumb|300px|The west façade seen from the palace garden]]
At the rear of the palace is the large and park-like garden, which together with its lake is the largest private garden in London. There, the Queen hosts her annual garden parties each summer, and also holds large functions to celebrate royal milestones, such as jubilees. It covers 40 acres, and includes a helicopter landing area, a lake, and a tennis court.<ref name=fact/>
At the rear of the palace is the large and park-like garden, which together with its lake is the largest private garden in London. There, the annual garden parties are hosted each summer, and also large functions to celebrate royal milestones, such as jubilees. It covers 40 acres, and includes a helicopter landing area, a lake, and a tennis court.<ref name=fact/>


Adjacent to the palace is the Royal Mews, also designed by Nash, where the royal carriages, including the Gold State Coach, are housed. This rococo gilt coach, designed by Sir William Chambers in 1760, has painted panels by G. B. Cipriani. It was first used for the State Opening of Parliament by George III in 1762 and has been used by the monarch for every coronation since George IV. It was last used for the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Also housed in the mews are the coach horses used at royal ceremonial processions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/TheRoyalMews/TheRoyalMews.aspx|title=The Royal Residences > The Royal Mews|publisher=www.royal.gov.uk|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710044631/http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/TheRoyalMews/TheRoyalMews.aspx|archivedate=10 July 2009}}</ref>
Adjacent to the palace is the Royal Mews, also designed by Nash, where the royal carriages, including the Gold State Coach, are housed. This rococo gilt coach, designed by Sir William Chambers in 1760, has painted panels by G. B. Cipriani. It was first used for the State Opening of Parliament by George III in 1762 and has been used by the monarch for every coronation since George IV. It was last used for the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Also housed in the mews are the coach horses used at royal ceremonial processions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/TheRoyalMews/TheRoyalMews.aspx|title=The Royal Residences > The Royal Mews|publisher=www.royal.gov.uk|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710044631/http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/TheRoyalMews/TheRoyalMews.aspx|archivedate=10 July 2009}}</ref>
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==Modern history==
==Modern history==
[[File:Barack Obama Michelle Obama Queen Elizabeth II Buckingham Palace London.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The American President greeted by The Queen in the first-floor audience chamber]]
[[File:Barack Obama Michelle Obama Queen Elizabeth II Buckingham Palace London.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The American President greeted by Queen Elizabeth II in the first-floor audience chamber]]
In 1901 the accession of Edward VII saw new life breathed into the palace. The new King and his wife Queen Alexandra had always been at the forefront of London high society, and their friends, known as "the [[Marlborough House]] Set", were considered to be the most eminent and fashionable of the age. Buckingham Palace—the Ballroom, Grand Entrance, Marble Hall, Grand Staircase, vestibules and galleries redecorated in the Belle époque cream and gold colour scheme they retain today—once again became a setting for entertaining on a majestic scale but leaving some to feel King Edward's heavy redecorations were at odds with Nash's original work.<ref>Robinson (Page 9) asserts that the decorations, including plaster swags and other decorative motifs, are "finicky" and "at odds with Nash's original detailing".</ref>
In 1901 the accession of Edward VII saw new life breathed into the palace. The new King and his wife Queen Alexandra had always been at the forefront of London high society, and their friends, known as "the [[Marlborough House]] Set", were considered to be the most eminent and fashionable of the age. Buckingham Palace—the Ballroom, Grand Entrance, Marble Hall, Grand Staircase, vestibules and galleries redecorated in the Belle époque cream and gold colour scheme they retain today—once again became a setting for entertaining on a majestic scale but leaving some to feel King Edward's heavy redecorations were at odds with Nash's original work.<ref>Robinson (Page 9) asserts that the decorations, including plaster swags and other decorative motifs, are "finicky" and "at odds with Nash's original detailing".</ref>


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===21st century: Royal use and public access===
===21st century: Royal use and public access===
[[File:Queen's Gallery -1.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Queen's Gallery]]
[[File:Queen's Gallery -1.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Queen's Gallery]]
[[File:Buckingham Palace Royal Standard Flag.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Royal Standard flies above the entrance when the Queen is in residence]]
[[File:Buckingham Palace Royal Standard Flag.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Royal Standard flies above the entrance when the monarch is in residence]]
Every year some 50,000 invited guests are entertained at garden parties, receptions, audiences and banquets. The Garden Parties, usually three, are held in the summer, usually in July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/about|title=About Buckingham Palace|publisher=Royal Collection Trust|date=8 March 2016}}</ref> The Forecourt of Buckingham Palace is used for Changing of the Guard, a major ceremony and tourist attraction (daily from April to July; every other day in other months).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/what-to-see-and-do/changing-the-guard|title=Changing the Guard|publisher=Royal Collection Trust|accessdate=8 March 2016}}</ref>
Every year some 50,000 invited guests are entertained at garden parties, receptions, audiences and banquets. The Garden Parties, usually three, are held in the summer, usually in July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/about|title=About Buckingham Palace|publisher=Royal Collection Trust|date=8 March 2016}}</ref> The Forecourt of Buckingham Palace is used for Changing of the Guard, a major ceremony and tourist attraction (daily from April to July; every other day in other months).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/what-to-see-and-do/changing-the-guard|title=Changing the Guard|publisher=Royal Collection Trust|accessdate=8 March 2016}}</ref>


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Ceiling threatens to fall in at Buckingham Palace: State dining room closed until next summer over safety fears just a month after the Queen took after dinner coffee with president of China|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3337952/Ceiling-threatens-fall-Buckingham-Palace-State-dining-room-closed-summer-safety-fears-just-month-Queen-took-dinner-coffee-president-China.html |newspaper=Mail on Sunday |location=|accessdate=1 December 2015}}</ref> A backlog of repairs, including new plumbing, wiring, and the removal of a large quantity of asbestos, would cost an estimated £150&nbsp;million.<ref name="bbc33250274">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33250274|publisher=BBC News|title=Queen 'could move out of Buckingham Palace'|date=24 June 2015|accessdate=31 March 2016}}</ref> The Government, in exchange for the profits made by the Crown Estate, is responsible for maintaining the palace.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130129110402/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/leg_sovereign_grant_faq.htm|title=Sovereign Grant Act: frequently asked questions relating to the Act and on general issues|accessdate=22 May 2016|publisher=The National Archives|author=HM Treasury}}</ref>
Ceiling threatens to fall in at Buckingham Palace: State dining room closed until next summer over safety fears just a month after the Queen took after dinner coffee with president of China|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3337952/Ceiling-threatens-fall-Buckingham-Palace-State-dining-room-closed-summer-safety-fears-just-month-Queen-took-dinner-coffee-president-China.html |newspaper=Mail on Sunday |location=|accessdate=1 December 2015}}</ref> A backlog of repairs, including new plumbing, wiring, and the removal of a large quantity of asbestos, would cost an estimated £150&nbsp;million.<ref name="bbc33250274">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33250274|publisher=BBC News|title=Queen 'could move out of Buckingham Palace'|date=24 June 2015|accessdate=31 March 2016}}</ref> The Government, in exchange for the profits made by the Crown Estate, is responsible for maintaining the palace.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130129110402/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/leg_sovereign_grant_faq.htm|title=Sovereign Grant Act: frequently asked questions relating to the Act and on general issues|accessdate=22 May 2016|publisher=The National Archives|author=HM Treasury}}</ref>


Thus, Buckingham Palace is a symbol and home of the British monarchy, an art gallery and a tourist attraction. Behind the gilded railings and gates which were completed by the Bromsgrove Guild in 1911<ref name=rob9/> and Webb's famous façade, which has been described in a book published by the Royal Collection as looking "like everybody's idea of a palace",<ref name=rob9/> is not only a weekday home of the Queen and Prince Philip but also the London residence of the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The palace also houses the offices of the Queen, Prince Philip, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, and Princess Alexandra, and is the workplace of more than 800 people.<ref name=fact/>
Thus, Buckingham Palace is a symbol and home of the British monarchy, an art gallery and a tourist attraction. Behind the gilded railings and gates which were completed by the Bromsgrove Guild in 1911<ref name=rob9/> and Webb's famous façade, which has been described in a book published by the Royal Collection as looking "like everybody's idea of a palace",<ref name=rob9/> is not only a weekday home of the Queen and Prince Philip but also the London residence of the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The palace also housed the offices of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, and Princess Alexandra, and is the workplace of more than 800 people.<ref name=fact/>


==Outside links==
==Outside links==

Latest revision as of 16:29, 30 June 2023

Buckingham Palace
Middlesex

Buckingham Palace. the East Front
Location
Grid reference: TQ290796
Location: 51°30’4"N, 0°8’32"W
City: Westminster
History
Royal palace
Information
Owned by: The Crown
Website: Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace in Westminster, Middlesex, is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.[1]

Standing in the heart of the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing. In the two centuries since it was established as principal the royal palace, the ceremonial landscape of Westminster has shaped itself around Buckingham Palace and its park and grounds.

Queen Victoria, the first monarch to reside at Buckingham Palace

Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in 1703 on a site that had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was acquired by King George III in 1761[2] as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as "The Queen's House". During the 19th century it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.

The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the East front, which contains the well-known balcony on which the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds. The palace chapel was destroyed by a German bomb during World War II; the Queen's Gallery was built on the site and opened to the public in 1962 to exhibit works of art from the Royal Collection.

The original early 19th-century interior designs, many of which survive, include widespread use of brightly coloured scagliola and blue and pink lapis, on the advice of Sir Charles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle Époque cream and gold colour scheme. Many smaller reception rooms are furnished in the Chinese regency style with furniture and fittings brought from the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and from Carlton House. The palace has 775 rooms, and Buckingham Palace Garden is the largest private garden in London. The state rooms, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each year for most of August and September, and on selected days in winter and spring.

History

Site

Buckingham House, c. 1710

In 1531, King Henry VIII acquired the Hospital of St James (later St James's Palace)[3] from Eton College, and in 1536 he took the Manor of Ebury from Westminster Abbey,[4] which included the site fo thr future palace.[5]

King James I sold off part of the Crown freehold but retained part of the site on which he established a 4 acre mulberry garden for cultivating silkworms (now at the northwest corner of today's palace).[6]

First houses on the site

Possibly the first house erected within the site was that of a Sir William Blake, around 1624.[7] The next owner was Lord Goring, who from 1633 extended Blake's house and developed much of today's garden, then known as Goring Great Garden.[8][9] He did not, however, obtain the freehold interest in the mulberry garden. Unbeknown to Goring, in 1640 the document "failed to pass the Great Seal before King Charles I fled London, which it needed to do for legal execution".[10] It was this critical omission that helped the royal family regain the freehold under King George III.[11]

The improvident Goring defaulted on his rents;[12] Henry Bennet, 1st Earl of Arlington obtained the mansion and was occupying it, now known as Goring House, when it burned down in 1674.[9] Arlington House rose on the site—the southern wing of today's palace—the next year.[9] In 1698, John Sheffield, later the first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby, acquired the lease.[13]

Buckingham House

The palace c. 1837

The house which forms the architectural core of the palace was built for the first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in 1703 to the design of William Winde. The style chosen was of a large, three-floored central block with two smaller flanking service wings.[14] Buckingham House was eventually sold by Buckingham's descendant, Sir Charles Sheffield, in 1761[2] to George III for £21,000. Sheffield's leasehold on the mulberry garden site, the freehold of which was still owned by the Crown, was due to expire in 1774.[15]

From Queen's House to palace

Under the new crown ownership, the building was originally intended as a private retreat for King George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, and was accordingly known as The Queen's House. In 1775, an Act of Parliament settled the property on Queen Charlotte, in exchange for her rights to Somerset House. Fourteen of the fifteen children of King George and Queen Caroline were born there. St James's Palace, however, remained the official and ceremonial royal residence.[16]

Remodelling of the structure began in 1762.[17] After his accession to the throne in 1820, King George IV continued the renovation with the idea in mind of a small, comfortable home. While the work was in progress, in 1826, the King decided to modify the house into a palace with the help of his architect John Nash.[18] Some furnishings were transferred from Carlton House, and others had been bought in France after the French Revolution.[19] The external façade was designed keeping in mind the French neo-classical influence preferred by George IV. The cost of the renovations grew dramatically, and by 1829 the extravagance of Nash's designs resulted in his removal as architect. On the death of George IV in 1830, his younger brother King William IV hired Edward Blore to finish the work.[20][21] At one stage, William considered converting the palace into the new Houses of Parliament, after the destruction of the Palace of Westminster by fire in 1834.[22]

Home of the monarch

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace finally became the principal royal residence in 1837, on the accession of Queen Victoria,[23] who was the first monarch to reside there; her predecessor William IV had died before its completion.[24] While the state rooms were a riot of gilt and colour, the necessities of the new palace were somewhat less luxurious. For one thing, it was reported the chimneys smoked so much that the fires had to be allowed to die down, and consequently the court shivered in icy magnificence.[25] Ventilation was so bad that the interior smelled, and when a decision was taken to install gas lamps, there was a serious worry about the build-up of gas on the lower floors. It was also said that staff were lax and lazy and the palace was dirty.[25] Following the queen's marriage in 1840, her husband, Prince Albert, concerned himself with a reorganisation of the household offices and staff, and with the design faults of the palace. The problems were all rectified by the close of 1840. However, the builders were to return within the decade.

By 1847, the couple had found the palace too small for court life and their growing family,[26] and consequently the new wing, designed by Edward Blore, was built by Thomas Cubitt,[27] enclosing the central quadrangle. The large East Front, facing The Mall, is today the "public face" of Buckingham Palace, and contains the balcony from which the royal family acknowledge the crowds on momentous occasions and after the annual Trooping the Colour. The ballroom wing and a further suite of state rooms were also built in this period, designed by Nash's student Sir James Pennethorne.

Before Prince Albert's death, the palace was frequently the scene of musical entertainments,[28] and the greatest contemporary musicians entertained at Buckingham Palace. The composer Felix Mendelssohn is known to have played there on three occasions.[29] Johann Strauss II and his orchestra played there when in England.[30] Strauss's "Alice Polka" was first performed at the palace in 1849 in honour of the queen's daughter, Princess Alice.[31] Under Victoria, Buckingham Palace was frequently the scene of lavish costume balls, in addition to the usual royal ceremonies, investitures and presentations.

Widowed in 1861, the grief-stricken Queen withdrew from public life and left Buckingham Palace to live at Windsor Castle, Balmoral Castle and Osborne House. For many years the palace was seldom used, even neglected. In 1864, a note was found pinned to the fence of Buckingham Palace, saying: "These commanding premises to be let or sold, in consequence of the late occupant's declining business."[32] Eventually, public opinion forced the Queen to return to London, though even then she preferred to live elsewhere whenever possible. Court functions were still held at Windsor Castle, presided over by the sombre Queen habitually dressed in mourning black, while Buckingham Palace remained shuttered for most of the year.[33]

Interior

Piano nobile of Buckingham Palace. A: State Dining Room; B: Blue Drawing Room; C: Music Room; D: White Drawing Room; E: Royal Closet; F: Throne Room; G: Green Drawing Room; H: Cross Gallery; J: Ball Room; K: East Gallery; L: Yellow Drawing Room; M: Centre/Balcony Room; N: Chinese Luncheon Room; O: Principal Corridor; P: Private Apartments; Q: Service Areas; W: The Grand staircase. On the ground floor: R: Ambassador's Entrance; T: Grand Entrance. The areas defined by shaded walls represent lower minor wings.

The palace measures 350 feet by 390 feet, is 79 feet high and contains over 828,800 square feet of floorspace.[34] The floor area is smaller than the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Papal Palace in Rome, the Louvre in Paris, the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, or the Forbidden City of Peking. There are 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 principal bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.[35][34]

The principal rooms are contained on the piano nobile behind the west-facing garden façade at the rear of the palace. The centre of this ornate suite of state rooms is the Music Room, its large bow the dominant feature of the façade. Flanking the Music Room are the Blue and the White Drawing Rooms. At the centre of the suite, serving as a corridor to link the state rooms, is the Picture Gallery, which is top-lit and 55 yards long.[36] The Gallery is hung with numerous works including some by Rembrandt, van Dyck, Rubens and Vermeer;[37][38] other rooms leading from the Picture Gallery are the Throne Room and the Green Drawing Room. The Green Drawing Room serves as a huge anteroom to the Throne Room, and is part of the ceremonial route to the throne from the Guard Room at the top of the Grand Staircase.[36] The Guard Room contains white marble statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, in Roman costume, set in tribune lined with tapestries. These very formal rooms are used only for ceremonial and official entertaining, but are open to the public every summer.[39]

The Duke of Edinburgh seated in the Chinese Luncheon Room

Directly underneath the State Apartments is a suite of slightly less grand rooms known as the semi-state apartments. Opening from the Marble Hall, these rooms are used for less formal entertaining, such as luncheon parties and private audiences. Some of the rooms are named and decorated for particular visitors, such as the 1844 Room, decorated in that year for the State visit of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, and, on the other side of the Bow Room, the 1855 Room, in honour of the visit of Emperor Napoleon III of France.[40] At the centre of this suite is the Bow Room, through which thousands of guests pass annually to the Garden Parties in the Gardens.[41] Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip used a smaller suite of rooms in the north wing.[42]

Between 1847 and 1850, when Blore was building the new east wing, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton was once again plundered of its fittings. As a result, many of the rooms in the new wing have a distinctly oriental atmosphere. The red and blue Chinese Luncheon Room is made up from parts of the Brighton Banqueting and Music Rooms with a large oriental chimney piece sculpted by Richard Westmacott.[43] The Yellow Drawing Room has wallpaper supplied in 1817 for the Brighton Saloon, and a chimney piece which is a European vision of how the Chinese chimney piece may appear. It has nodding mandarins in niches and fearsome winged dragons, designed by Robert Jones.[44]

At the centre of this wing is the famous balcony with the Centre Room behind its glass doors. This is a Chinese-style saloon enhanced by Queen Mary, who, working with the designer Sir Charles Allom, created a more "binding"[45] Chinese theme in the late 1920s, although the lacquer doors were brought from Brighton in 1873. Running the length of the piano nobile of the east wing is the great gallery, modestly known as the Principal Corridor, which runs the length of the eastern side of the quadrangle.[46] It has mirrored doors, and mirrored cross walls reflecting porcelain pagodas and other oriental furniture from Brighton. The Chinese Luncheon Room and Yellow Drawing Room are situated at each end of this gallery, with the Centre Room obviously placed in the centre.[47]

The original early 19th-century interior designs, many of which still survive, included widespread use of brightly coloured scagliola and blue and pink lapis, on the advice of SirCharles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle époque cream and gold colour scheme.[48]

When paying a state visit to Britain, foreign heads of state are usually entertained by the King at Buckingham Palace. They are allocated a large suite of rooms known as the Belgian Suite, situated at the foot of the Minister's Staircase, on the ground floor of the north-facing Garden Wing. The rooms of the suite are linked by narrow corridors, one of them is given extra height and perspective by saucer domes designed by Nash in the style of Soane.[49] A second corridor in the suite has Gothic influenced cross over vaulting.[49] The Belgian Rooms themselves were decorated in their present style and named after Prince Albert's uncle Leopold I, first King of the Belgians. In 1936, the suite briefly became the private apartments of the palace when they were occupied by King Edward VIII.[34]

Ceremonial

Investitures

Investitures, which include the conferring of knighthoods by dubbing with a sword, and other awards take place in the palace's Ballroom, built in 1854. At 120 feet long, 59 feet wide and 44 feet high,[34] it is the largest room in the palace. It has replaced the throne room in importance and use. During investitures, the King stands on the throne dais beneath a giant, domed velvet canopy, known as a shamiana or a baldachin, that was used at the Delhi Durbar in 1911.[50] A military band plays in the musicians' gallery as award recipients approach the King and receive their honours, watched by their families and friends.[51]

State banquets

State banquets also take place in the Ballroom; these formal dinners are held on the first evening of a state visit by a foreign head of state.[51] On these occasions, for up to 170 guests in formal "white tie and decorations", including tiaras, the dining table is laid with the Grand Service, a collection of silver-gilt plate made in 1811 for the Prince of Wales, later George IV.[52] The largest and most formal reception at Buckingham Palace takes place every November when the King entertains members of the diplomatic corps.[53] On this grand occasion, all the state rooms are in use, as the royal family proceed through them,[54] beginning at the great north doors of the Picture Gallery. As Nash had envisaged, all the large, double-mirrored doors stand open, reflecting the numerous crystal chandeliers and sconces, creating a deliberate optical illusion of space and light.[55]

Other ceremonies and functions

Smaller ceremonies such as the reception of new ambassadors take place in the "1844 Room". Here too, the King holds small lunch parties, and often meetings of the Privy Council. Larger lunch parties often take place in the curved and domed Music Room, or the State Dining Room. On all formal occasions, the ceremonies are attended by the Yeomen of the Guard in their historic uniforms, and other officers of the court such as the Lord Chamberlain.[56]

Since the bombing of the palace chapel in World War II, royal christenings have sometimes taken place in the Music Room. Queen Elizabeth II's first three children were all baptised there.[57]

The largest functions of the year are the Garden Parties for up to 8,000 invitees in the Garden.[58]

Garden, Royal Mews and The Mall

The west façade seen from the palace garden

At the rear of the palace is the large and park-like garden, which together with its lake is the largest private garden in London. There, the annual garden parties are hosted each summer, and also large functions to celebrate royal milestones, such as jubilees. It covers 40 acres, and includes a helicopter landing area, a lake, and a tennis court.[34]

Adjacent to the palace is the Royal Mews, also designed by Nash, where the royal carriages, including the Gold State Coach, are housed. This rococo gilt coach, designed by Sir William Chambers in 1760, has painted panels by G. B. Cipriani. It was first used for the State Opening of Parliament by George III in 1762 and has been used by the monarch for every coronation since George IV. It was last used for the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Also housed in the mews are the coach horses used at royal ceremonial processions.[59]

The Mall, a ceremonial approach route to the palace, was designed by Sir Aston Webb and completed in 1911 as part of a grand memorial to Queen Victoria. It extends from Admiralty Arch, across St James's Park to the Victoria Memorial. This route is used by the cavalcades and motorcades of visiting heads of state, and by the royal family on state occasions such as the annual Trooping the Colour.[60]

Modern history

The American President greeted by Queen Elizabeth II in the first-floor audience chamber

In 1901 the accession of Edward VII saw new life breathed into the palace. The new King and his wife Queen Alexandra had always been at the forefront of London high society, and their friends, known as "the Marlborough House Set", were considered to be the most eminent and fashionable of the age. Buckingham Palace—the Ballroom, Grand Entrance, Marble Hall, Grand Staircase, vestibules and galleries redecorated in the Belle époque cream and gold colour scheme they retain today—once again became a setting for entertaining on a majestic scale but leaving some to feel King Edward's heavy redecorations were at odds with Nash's original work.[61]

The last major building work took place during the reign of King George V when, in 1913, Sir Aston Webb redesigned Blore's 1850 East Front to resemble in part Giacomo Leoni's Lyme Park in Cheshire. This new, refaced principal façade (of Portland stone) was designed to be the backdrop to the Victoria Memorial, a large memorial statue of Queen Victoria, placed outside the main gates.[62] George V, who had succeeded Edward VII in 1910, had a more serious personality than his father; greater emphasis was now placed on official entertaining and royal duties than on lavish parties.[63] He arranged a series of command performances featuring jazz musicians such as the Original Dixieland Jazz Band (1919) – the first jazz performance for a head of state, Sidney Bechet, and Louis Armstrong (1932), which earned the palace a nomination in 2009 by the Brecon Jazz Festival as one of the venues making the greatest contribution to jazz music in the United Kingdom.[64][65] George V's Queen, Queen Mary was a connoisseur of the arts, and took a keen interest in the Royal Collection of furniture and art, both restoring and adding to it. Queen Mary also had many new fixtures and fittings installed, such as the pair of marble Empire-style chimneypieces by Benjamin Vulliamy, dating from 1810, which the Queen had installed in the ground floor Bow Room, the huge low room at the centre of the garden façade. Queen Mary was also responsible for the decoration of the Blue Drawing Room.[66] This room, 69 feet long, previously known as the South Drawing Room, has a ceiling designed specially by Nash, coffered with huge gilt console brackets.[67]

The Victoria Memorial

During the First World War, the palace, then the home of King George V and Queen Mary, escaped unscathed. Its more valuable contents were evacuated to Windsor but the royal family remained in situ. The King imposed rationing at the palace, much to the dismay of his guests and household.[68] To the King's later regret, David Lloyd George persuaded him to go further by ostentatiously locking the wine cellars and refraining from alcohol, to set a good example to the supposedly inebriated working class. The workers continued to imbibe and the King was left unhappy at his enforced abstinence.[69] In 1938, the north-west pavilion, designed by Nash as a conservatory, was converted into a swimming pool.[70]

During the Second World War, the palace was bombed nine times,[71] the most serious and publicised of which resulted in the destruction of the palace chapel in 1940. Coverage of this event was played in cinemas all over the United Kingdom to show the common suffering of rich and poor. One bomb fell in the palace quadrangle while King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were in residence, and many windows were blown in and the chapel destroyed.[72] War-time coverage of such incidents was severely restricted, however. The King and Queen were filmed inspecting their bombed home, the smiling Queen, as always, immaculately dressed in a hat and matching coat seemingly unbothered by the damage around her. It was at this time the Queen famously declared: "I'm glad we have been bombed. Now I can look the East End in the face". The royal family were seen as sharing their subjects' hardship, as The Sunday Graphic reported:

By the Editor: The King and Queen have endured the ordeal which has come to their subjects. For the second time a German bomber has tried to bring death and destruction to the home of Their Majesties...When this war is over the common danger which King George and Queen Elizabeth have shared with their people will be a cherished memory and an inspiration through the years.[73]

On 15 September 1940, known as the Battle of Britain Day, an RAF pilot, Ray Holmes of No. 504 Squadron RAF rammed a German bomber he believed was going to bomb the Palace. Holmes had run out of ammunition and made the quick decision to ram it. Holmes bailed out. Both aircraft crashed. In fact the Dornier Do 17 bomber was empty. It had already been damaged, two of its crew had been killed and the remainder bailed out. Its pilot, Feldwebel Robert Zehbe, landed, only to die later of wounds suffered during the attack. During the Dornier's descent, it somehow unloaded its bombs, one of which hit the Palace. It then crashed into the forecourt of London Victoria station.[74] The bomber's engine was later exhibited at the Imperial War Museum in London. The British pilot became a King's Messenger after the war, and died at the age of 90 in 2005.[75]

On VE Day—8 May 1945—the palace was the centre of British celebrations. The King, Queen, Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen), and Princess Margaret appeared on the balcony, with the palace's blacked-out windows behind them, to the cheers from a vast crowd in the Mall.[76] The damaged Palace was carefully restored after the War by John Mowlem & Co.[77]

21st century: Royal use and public access

The Queen's Gallery
The Royal Standard flies above the entrance when the monarch is in residence

Every year some 50,000 invited guests are entertained at garden parties, receptions, audiences and banquets. The Garden Parties, usually three, are held in the summer, usually in July.[78] The Forecourt of Buckingham Palace is used for Changing of the Guard, a major ceremony and tourist attraction (daily from April to July; every other day in other months).[79]

The palace, like Windsor Castle, is owned by the Crown.[80] It is not the monarch's personal property, unlike Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle.[81] Many of the contents from Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, and St James's Palace are part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the Sovereign; they can, on occasion, be viewed by the public at the Queen's Gallery, near the Royal Mews. Unlike the palace and the castle, the purpose-built gallery is open continually and displays a changing selection of items from the collection.[82] It occupies the site of the chapel destroyed by an air raid in the Second World War.[13] The palace's state rooms have been open to the public during August and September and on selected dates throughout the year since 1993. The money raised in entry fees was originally put towards the rebuilding of Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire devastated many of its state rooms.[83] 476,000 people visited the palace in the 2014–15 financial year.[84]

In November 2015, the State Dining Room was closed for six months because its ceiling had become potentially dangerous.[85] A backlog of repairs, including new plumbing, wiring, and the removal of a large quantity of asbestos, would cost an estimated £150 million.[86] The Government, in exchange for the profits made by the Crown Estate, is responsible for maintaining the palace.[87]

Thus, Buckingham Palace is a symbol and home of the British monarchy, an art gallery and a tourist attraction. Behind the gilded railings and gates which were completed by the Bromsgrove Guild in 1911[33] and Webb's famous façade, which has been described in a book published by the Royal Collection as looking "like everybody's idea of a palace",[33] is not only a weekday home of the Queen and Prince Philip but also the London residence of the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The palace also housed the offices of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, and Princess Alexandra, and is the workplace of more than 800 people.[34]

Outside links

 ("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about Buckingham Palace)

References

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  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Robinson, p. 14.
  3. ↑ Goring, p. 28.
  4. ↑ Goring, p. 18.
  5. ↑ The Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair - Survey of London, Volume 39 Chapter 1: The Acquisition of the Estate (1977)
  6. ↑ Goring, pp. 31, 36.
  7. ↑ Wright, p. 83.
  8. ↑ Goring, Chapter V
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Harris, p. 21.
  10. ↑ Wright, p. 96.
  11. ↑ Goring, p. 62.
  12. ↑ Goring, p. 58.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Who built Buckingham Palace?". Royal Collection Trust. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/about/who-built-the-palace. Retrieved 8 March 2016. 
  14. ↑ Harris, p. 22.
  15. ↑ Mackenzie, p. 12
  16. ↑ Westminster: Buckingham Palace, Old and New London: Volume 4 (1878), pp. 61–74
  17. ↑ Harris, p. 24.
  18. ↑ Harris, pp. 30–31.
  19. ↑ Jones, p. 42.
  20. ↑ Harris, p. 33.
  21. ↑ "The Royal Residences > Buckingham Palace > History". www.royal.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 28 March 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100328161802/http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/BuckinghamPalace/History.aspx. 
  22. ↑ Ziegler, Phillip (1971). King William IV. Collins. p. 280. ISBN 0-00-211934-X. 
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  27. ↑ Holland & Hannen and Cubitts – The Inception and Development of a Great Building Firm, published 1920, p. 35.
  28. ↑ Hedley, p. 19.
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  30. ↑ Healey, p. 122.
  31. ↑ Allen's Indian Mail, and Register of Intelligence for British and Foreign India, China, and All Parts of the East. 8. 1850. p. 117. https://books.google.com/books?id=axgYAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA117. 
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  40. ↑ Harris, p. 81.
  41. ↑ Harris, p. 40.
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  43. ↑ Harris, de Bellaigue & Miller, p. 87.
  44. ↑ Healey, pp. 159–160.
  45. ↑ Harris, de Bellaigue & Miller, p. 93.
  46. ↑ Harris, de Bellaigue & Miller, p. 91.
  47. ↑ John Harris; Geoffrey De Bellaigue; Oliver Millar (1968). Buckingham Palace and its Treasures. Viking Press. p. 90. https://books.google.com/books?id=pscQAQAAMAAJ. 
  48. ↑ Jones, p. 43.
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  50. ↑ Harris, p. 72.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Healey, p. 364.
  52. ↑ "Royal seal of approval for state banquet exhibition". The Telegraph. 25 July 2008. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2457467/Royal-seal-of-approval-for-state-banquet-exhibition.html. Retrieved 31 January 2016. 
  53. ↑ Healey, p. 362.
  54. ↑ Hedley, p. 16.
  55. ↑ Robinson, p. 18.
  56. ↑ Healey, pp. 363–365.
  57. ↑ Robinson, p. 49.
  58. ↑ Royal Household. "Garden parties: The guests". Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130117060104/http://www.royal.gov.uk/RoyalEventsandCeremonies/GardenParties/TheGuests.aspx. 
  59. ↑ "The Royal Residences > The Royal Mews". www.royal.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 10 July 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090710044631/http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/TheRoyalMews/TheRoyalMews.aspx. 
  60. ↑ Nicholson, Louise (1998). London. London: Frances Lincoln. p. 56. ISBN 0-7112-1187-6. 
  61. ↑ Robinson (Page 9) asserts that the decorations, including plaster swags and other decorative motifs, are "finicky" and "at odds with Nash's original detailing".
  62. ↑ Harris, p. 34.
  63. ↑ Healey, p. 185.
  64. ↑ "Buckingham Palace hits right note with jazz fans". London Evening Standard. UK. 3 August 2009. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23727267-buckingham-palace-hits-right-note-with-jazz-fans.do. Retrieved 11 August 2010. 
  65. ↑ Stephen Bates (3 August 2009). "By royal approval: Buckingham Palace's place in jazz history". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/aug/03/buckingham-palace-jazz-plaque-brecon. Retrieved 11 August 2010. 
  66. ↑ Healey pp. 221–222.
  67. ↑ Harris, p. 63.
  68. ↑ Rose, Kenneth (1983). King George V. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson. pp. 176–177. ISBN 0-297-78245-2. 
  69. ↑ Rose, pp. 178–179.
  70. ↑ Allison and Riddell, p. 69.
  71. ↑ "Letter from Queen Elizabeth to Queen Mary describing the bombing of Buckingham Palace, 13 September 1940". Royal Collection Trust. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/letter-from-queen-elizabeth-to-queen-mary-describing-the-bombing-of-buckingham-palace-13. Retrieved 31 March 2016. 
  72. ↑ Thornton, Michael (1984). Royal Feud. M.Joseph. p. 216. 
  73. ↑ The Sunday Graphic, 18 September 1939, p. 1.
  74. ↑ Price, Alfred. The Battle of Britain Day, Greenhill Books, London, 1990, pp. 49–50 and Stephen Bungay, The Most Dangerous Enemy: A History of the Battle of Britain. Aurum Press, London, 2000, p. 325.
  75. ↑ "Pilot who 'saved Palace' honoured". BBC news website. 2 November 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/4398484.stm. Retrieved 18 March 2009. 
  76. ↑ 1945: Rejoicing at end of war in Europe (BBC On this day.) Retrieved 3 February 2009.
  77. ↑ "Sir Edgar Beck". The Telegraph. 9 August 2000. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1351908/Sir-Edgar-Beck.html. Retrieved 5 June 2012. 
  78. ↑ "About Buckingham Palace". Royal Collection Trust. 8 March 2016. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/about. 
  79. ↑ "Changing the Guard". Royal Collection Trust. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/what-to-see-and-do/changing-the-guard. Retrieved 8 March 2016. 
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  81. ↑ United Kingdom, Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons, 16 January 1995 , column 252
  82. ↑ "About the Royal Collection". Royal Collection Trust. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/about. Retrieved 8 March 2016. 
  83. ↑ "Windsor Castle – five years from disaster to triumph". BBC. 17 November 1997. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/31069.stm. Retrieved 8 March 2016. 
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  85. ↑ Oliver, Sarah (29 November 2015). "Ceiling threatens to fall in at Buckingham Palace: State dining room closed until next summer over safety fears just a month after the Queen took after dinner coffee with president of China". Mail on Sunday. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3337952/Ceiling-threatens-fall-Buckingham-Palace-State-dining-room-closed-summer-safety-fears-just-month-Queen-took-dinner-coffee-president-China.html. Retrieved 1 December 2015. 
  86. ↑ "Queen 'could move out of Buckingham Palace'". BBC News. 24 June 2015. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33250274. Retrieved 31 March 2016. 
  87. ↑ HM Treasury. "Sovereign Grant Act: frequently asked questions relating to the Act and on general issues". The National Archives. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130129110402/http:/www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/leg_sovereign_grant_faq.htm. Retrieved 22 May 2016. 
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