With its architecturally defined profile, this is one of London's most popular historical buildings. Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. Later restored by Nash, the present facade was planned by Sir Aston Webb in 1913. Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the Sovereign.
When the Queen is here, the royal standard flutters over the palace. The Royal Mews, in Buckingham Palace Road, house the coaches and horses used on all state occasions and are open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday. The Queen's Gallery, also in Buckingham Palace Road; has especial exhibitions from the Royal collection and may be visited every day except Monday. In its entirety, the Palace and the beautiful gardens which surround it occupy an area of approximately 40 acres. Altogether this is one of the most interesting places in London for the tourist.
The ceremony of the Changing of the Guard that takes place daily at eleven o'clock in the morning. Every day a large crowd of people gather to see this famous and traditional ceremony. It is an event that, in spite of its regularity, appears to be a solemn classical ritual, of purely British flavour.
Buckingham Palace is not only the royal residence: it's a small city under one roof. It has a cinema, a post-office, some caffees and a restaurant, a hospital and even a night club. More than 700 people work here every day.