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How To Visit Buckingham Palace

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“Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been? I’ve been to London to look at the queen!” These are the starting words of a traditional children’s nursery rhyme. And it’s not only nursery-rhyme cats interested in attractions associated with the royal family.

Buckingham Palace , the King’s official London residence and the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy, is one of London’s top 10 attractions according to Visit London . Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard, tour the State Rooms, visit the Royal Mews, see changing art exhibitions, or simply enjoy views of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument from adjoining Green Park .

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of British sovereigns since 1837 when Queen Victoria made it her home. But the property’s Royal Family history goes back to 1761 when George III bought Buckingham House for his wife Queen Charlotte.

Where Is Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace sits at the intersection of The Mall, Constitution Hill, and Spur Road off Birdcage Walk in the City of Westminster in central London. The Palace is surrounded by gardens and green space on three sides. St. James’s Park sits on the east side and Green Park on the north side. Royal gardens run behind the Palace to the west. A number of London tourist attractions, including Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, and Trafalgar Square, lie within a one-mile radius of the palace.

The Wellington Arch , a large stone archway flanked with Corinthian columns and topped with the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, sits at the western end of Constitution Hill at Hyde Park Corner. Originally built as the outer entrance to Buckingham Palace, the arch was moved to its current location in the 1880s. You can purchase tickets to get inside the arch, where rooms over five stories house historical exhibitions and balconies offer views of Buckingham Palace’s back gardens and London’s Royal Parks.

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How To Get To Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace’s central location is easily reached by the Underground, by train, and by coach/bus.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace By Subway

London’s subway system, known as the London Underground or by its nickname, the Tube, is fast and efficient. The nearest Underground stops to Buckingham Palace are Victoria, Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Hyde Park Corner.

It’s roughly an 11-minute walk to Buckingham Palace from Victoria Station, an 8-minute walk from Green Park Station or St. James’s Park Station, and a 12-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner Station.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace By Train

The National Rail System is a passenger train network connecting London with the rest of the country. You might use this system to get to Buckingham Palace if you are coming from outside of the Greater London area serviced by the Underground. London Victoria and Charing Cross Station are the nearest train stations to Buckingham Palace.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace By Coach Or Bus

Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace. Use Transport for London’s Plan a Journey page to determine which bus to take from your starting location.

Buckingham Palace is also a stop on some hop-on, hop-off tourist buses.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Buckingham Palace?

If you want to get inside Buckingham Palace, summer is the best time to visit. Although the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors for a few selected dates in winter and spring, the primary touring time is in summer.

Summer also offers the best weather for viewing the Changing of the Guard . Of course, summer is the busiest tourist season and you will be jostling amongst a crowd for the best views. Bundle up or pack a poncho, and you can see the Changing of the Guard throughout the year.

The Royal Mews is open February through November. Guided tours are offered between April and October. The Royal Mews is responsible for all the road travel arrangements for the King and the Royal Family. Inside you’ll find historic carriages, a stable of horses, and livery worn by the King’s horsemen. Note that the Royal Mews are part of a working royal palace and closures sometimes happen at short notice.

The Queen’s Gallery is a public art gallery that features changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection featuring old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts, and photographic images. The Queen’s Gallery is open year-round.

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When Is The Changing Of The Guard?

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony in which the King’s Guards, clad in scarlet uniforms and bearskin caps, hand off responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. The guards are Foot Guards, or highly trained infantry soldiers.

The ceremony, which is free to watch, takes place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Formation of the guards in preparation for the ceremony begins around 10:30 a.m. when the Buckingham Palace Old Guard lines up for inspection, the St. James Old Guard begins its march down The Mall, and the New Guard forms on the parade square at Wellington Barracks. Guards and bands start arriving at Buckingham Palace at 10:45 a.m. The actual handover, when the New Guard enters the forecourt via the North Gate and receives the Palace Keys, occurs at 11 a.m. sharp. This is followed by marches of the Old and New Guards. The ceremony takes approximately 45 minutes. Musical accompaniment is provided by a regimental band or corps of drums.

The Changing of the Guard is popular. It is recommended you arrive before 10:15 a.m. to get a good viewing spot. The Buckingham Palace railings are a good spot with visibility of the entire forecourt ceremony, but you need to arrive very early to situate yourself here.

The elevated position of the steps of the Victoria Monument also provides a reasonable view. Spur Road on the left facing Buckingham Palace is a good place to see the New Guard and Band marching up Birdcage Walk. Remember to “make way for the King’s Guard!” and not stand in the way of the Foot Guards.

Although the Changing of the Guard occurs several times a week, it is not scheduled everyday. Check the Changing of the Guard schedule before you plan your visit.

Royal Collection Trust

How To Tour The Inside of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 240 Royal, guest, and staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, and 19 State rooms. The State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace are open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring. The King’s private living spaces are not open to the public.

The State Rooms are the public rooms in the palace where the King and members of the Royal Family receive and entertain guests on ceremonial and official occasions. Rooms you will tour after entering via the opulent, red-carpeted Grand Staircase include the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Picture Gallery.

Each year the Royal Collection Trust , the organization that manages public openings of the official residences of His Majesty the King, curates a special exhibit for the summer opening at Buckingham Palace. In 2019, Queen Victoria’s Palace held an exhibition to honor the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth, telling the story of how the young queen transformed Buckingham Palace from a private house into a working royal residence.

You need to purchase tickets for the State Rooms tour in advance. Tickets can be booked online. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your entry time. You will go through airport-style security. Complimentary multimedia guides are provided. Photographs are not allowed. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair bit of walking involved. The Royal Collection Trust recommends you allow up to 2 hours and 30 minutes for your State Rooms tour. One of the available ticketing options allows you to add a 45-minute guided tour of Buckingham Palace Gardens to your State Rooms visit.

Can I See The King At Buckingham Palace?

The nursery-rhyme cat may have had a look at the queen, but you are unlikely to see the now King when you visit Buckingham Palace. State Room tours are scheduled when the King is not in residence. When the King is at home at Buckingham Palace, you’ll see his flag, the Royal Standard, flying from the flagpole on top of the palace.

If your visit to London coincides with a Royal Wedding or a special event of national significance, you may be able to get a glimpse of the King on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where he and Royal Family members gather to wave to crowds below.

Your best bet for getting a look at the King may actually be away from Buckingham Palace at one of the functions he attends. The Royal Diary on the Royal Family website contains a list of engagements to be attended by His Royal Majesty and other Royal Family members.

Two annual events offer opportunities to see the King. For the State Opening of Parliament in May, the King travels from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in a State coach escorted by the Household Cavalry.

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Donna Janke is a writer based in Canada out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She shares her travel discoveries on her blog, Destinations Detours and Dreams , using a combination of narrative, photography, and personal reflection, all with an eye for detail. Her interest in travel started as a child when books transported her around the world, and grew as she explored the world in person. Her life as a travel writer began after she retired from a professional career in IT. Donna loves discovering the unique character of places, near and far, and writing to inspire others in their travels. Her travel stories have been published in several outlets, and tend to focus on culture, history, nature, art, architecture, and food.

Behind the Scenes: Inside Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace serves as the British Royal Family's London residence and was Queen Elizabeth II's administrative headquarters before her death on Sept. 8, 2022. The State Rooms are still used by King Charles to receive and entertain guests. Of course, that makes it a must-visit spot when traveling to London.

Many gather in front of the palace to witness the ceremonial changing of the guards, and tours are available on occasion to give visitors a glance at State rooms. But those only make up a small portion of the 775 rooms within Buckingham Palace, 52 of them dedicated to the Royal Family and their guests.

Want to get a better understanding of exactly how the Royal Family lives? Follow along on our tour.

East Fascade, Facing the Mall

Buckingham Palace was originally Buckingham House, constructed in 1703. King George III bought the house in 1761 for his wife, Charlotte.

The home received an expansion by extending the length of the home in 1826. By 1847, the East Facade was added with the two connecting wings to enclose what's called the Quadrangle and become the palace we see today.

Centre Balcony Room

The view we most often see of Buckingham is that facing the East Facade, as the Royal Family appears on special occasions on the balcony off of the Centre Room.

Centre Room

Behind the Royal Family awaits the Centre Room, also known as the Chinese Lunch Room because the room is filled with Chinese regency furnishings.

Much of the pieces came from the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, and while this room and the adjoining Yellow Drawing Room undergo a renovation, 150 pieces will be returned to Brighton.

Yellow Drawing Room

Receiving its vibrant color for the arrival of Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie in 1855, the Yellow Drawing Room was adorned in yellow silk.

It was installed as an entertaining space for Queen Victoria and features its own balcony. 

Yellow Dining Room

The wallpaper from this portion of the Yellow Dining Room is a whopping 200 years old and originally from the Royal Pavilion (a seaside palace in Brighton, England).

It took a month to painstakingly remove to be preserved during the renovation of the room in 2020. 

Ambassadors' Court

Connecting the original palace with the East Facade, Ambassadors' Court is where dignitaries and ambassadors arrive to enter Buckingham Palace.

Grand Entrance

The Grand Entrance is found within the Quadangle of the inner courtyard.

It is here where the Queen would exit and enter the palace and where guests arrive for special events leading into the Grand Hall.

The State Apartments and rooms included on the official tour of Buckingham Palace can be found in the West Wing, which overlooks the gardens of the palace.

Much of the Ground Floor rooms here are used as offices, including the Keeper of the Privy Purse, the manager of the Royal Family's finances.

Grand Hall (Marble Hall)

Entering the West Wing from the Ground Floor takes you to the Grand Hall, also called the Marble Hall for its marble columns.

The Grand Staircase

To arrive at one of the royal events, you'd climb the Grand Staircase to the First Floor.

However, if you didn't ascend the staircase, you'd find yourself in the Bow Room. This room serves as an entranceway to the gardens, where Her Majesty held her summertime garden parties.

It is also used to host lunches for visiting Heads of State.

Within these walls are where magical events happen.

The ballroom is not only the place where the Queen would host her Diplomatic Reception and State banquets, but this is where future King of England Prince William and Catherine Middleton held their wedding reception.

At one end of the ballroom was a throne for the Queen and Prince Phillip. At the other end is an organ that was originally used at the Royal Pavilion's Music Room, commissioned by George IV.

What Royal Receptions Look Like

The Ballroom measures 120-feet long, 59-feet wide and 44-feet high. When used for banquets, a horseshoe table shape is arranged. Place settings include six drinking glasses per guest, and more than 2,000 pieces of silverware are used for a dinner of just 170 guests.

A booklet featuring the menu, the guest list and seating plan, and the music that will be played during the event is placed atop the china. The colors of the nation visiting are featured in a ribbon that decorates the booklet.

State Dining Room

Although not as large as the Ballroom, the State Dining Room of Buckingham Palace can seat up to 170 guests when the Queen would host her State Dinners.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert loved music and loved to play the piano and sing together, so they created this stunning Music Room.

During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, it was used for more than music, though. This is where she had her son and daughter, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne, christened, as well as her grandson, Prince William.

Throne Room

When the occasion called for the Queen to fulfill her monarch duties, she took a seat on her throne and welcomed the court.

When not in use for courtly gatherings, the room is used as a smaller dance room when the ballroom is deemed too large.

Picture Perfect

Family portraits are often taken in the Throne Room because the risers for the throne help organize family members for photoshoots.

Plus, that velvet curtain screams royal backdrop.

Green Drawing Room

The green color of this drawing room can be attributed to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who loved to collect watercolors and Sevres porcelain found in this room.

This is an antechamber to the Throne Room and the ceremonial route that the Queen and her guards would take.

Named for Tsar Nicolas I, who visited in 1844, this room is often used to receive guests for State duties. His portrait once adorned the walls of the room but has since been removed.

The Queen had a buzzer she would push to announce she was ready to accept a guest, and many meetings included photographers to capture the moments.

White Drawing Room

When the Queen received guests in a more intimate fashion, this room was often the setting.

Not only was the White Drawing Room a favorite of the Queen, but it also contains a hidden doorway to her private apartments. 

Hidden Doors and Passageways

The White Drawing Room's doorway is hidden behind a very large gilded chest and mirror.

There are rumors of underground tunnels linking the palace to Whitehall and the Houses of Parliament.

Regency Room

Anyone who watched the Queen address her people at Christmas has seen the Regency Room.

With its green and gold color scheme, it pairs well with holiday decor for her intimate annual broadcasts.

Blue Drawing Room

The blue wallpaper of this room used for hosting State officials has been on the walls as-is since 1949.

Until the recent renovations began in 2019, the post-war redecoration was the last for the palace, and some have complained it has been stuck in time. The Blue Drawing Room, however, will be staying blue.

Belgian Suite

The suite offered to Heads of State, including President Obama, when they visit and stay at the palace is a series of rooms that includes a bedroom and a sitting room. There are many additional rooms located around it so security and staff can stay close.

Before abdicating the throne in 1936, King Edward VIII called the Belgian Suite home. It is located on the Ground Floor beside the Minister's Staircase. 

Belgian Suite Bedroom

When the Queen's father, King George VI, became king, the Belgian Suite became the home to her family when she married Prince Phillip in 1947.

She even delivered her son Edward in the bedroom. In fact, all three of Queen Elizabeth's sons were born at Buckingham Palace. Princess Anne was born at Clarence House during the palace renovations.

Picture Gallery

Connecting the rooms of the First Floor of the West Wing, this is not your average corridor.

The Picture Gallery is a small museum showcasing some of the works owned by the Royal Family.

And More Royal Family Art

Several dignitaries have passed through the Picture Gallery during State Banquets, like during the one pictured here in June 2019 for the U.S. President's three-day visit.

A second art gallery can be found in the space that was once a chapel for Queen Victoria. It was destroyed during World War II, but to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002, it reopened as the Queen's Gallery. Much of the work within Buckingham Palace is being relocated so that more people get a chance to view the artwork.

East Wing Corridor

The main corridor of the East Wing just received a makeover in 2019.

The palace tweeted the photo on the right: 3,000 works of art and decor found in this corridor have been removed, including its 100 mirrors, 40 chandeliers, 30 clocks and 200 paintings as it goes through its current refresh.

Private Residence

This map illustrates the First Floor of the North Wing, which contains the private residences of the royal family. 

On the Ground Floor, beneath the residences, are the offices of the staff who attend to family members.

Audience Chamber

When the Queen met with you one on one, such as she did with the Prime Minister, she received you in the Audience Chamber of her private residence.

Queen's Sitting Room

This painting of the Queen's Sitting Room is a glimpse at what the current royal family memebers may enjoy today. This watercolor was painted in 1848 and features portraits of Queen Victoria's family.

It is said the Queen only used a few rooms in the house regularly: her bedroom, her sitting room, her dressing room and the Audience Chamber.

A Private Moment

Before she became queen, Elizbeth was a young girl living in the palace. This was then-Princess Elizabeth's private office.

Although she had desk space in the Regency Room, her main office was in the residential portion of the palace. Former staff members say she kept lots of clutter on her desk and did not like anyone attempting to clean it up.

Queen's Bedroom

Part of the official tour of the palace, this bedroom was not the actual bedroom of Queen Elizabeth II but may give a hint as to what hers looked like.

King's Bedroom

Also a part of the tour and not actually the bedroom occupied by Prince Philip, the King's Bedroom showed that the royal couple had separate rooms throughout their marraige.

Royal Closet

The Queen had a private dressing room, which can be seen in this photo taken in 1873. It was originally part of the Audience Room.

All in the Family

Princess Anne and Prince Edward, have offices at Buckingham Palace for their royal duties. Prince Andrew and Prince Edward also have private apartments within the palace.

King Charles conducts business from the Clarence House.

Swimming Pool

Tucked off of the Residential wing is an indoor swimming pool with views of the gardens.

Staff members are allowed to enjoy the pool during off-hours.

The West Facade

The West Facade leads to the 40-acre garden.

Because the Queen was a keen gardener herself, the staff used to leave her a posy of flowers on her desk every Monday, so she could see what was in bloom that week.

Buckingham Palace Gardens

The palace garden is listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and is said to have a mulberry tree that dates back to James I of England in the late 1500s.

The garden is open to the public in August and September and features 2.5 miles of walking paths.

Garden Parties

Every June, the Queen would invite a select not-so-few to attend her annual Garden Party.

Behind the Scenes

Of the 775 rooms at the palace, 188 bedrooms are dedicated to staff.

There are 78 bathrooms and 92 offices inside, too — this is the administrative headquarters of the Royal Family, after all. Eight-hundred staff work within the palace walls.

The King's Guard is famous for its bright red coats and furry black hats, but they are not the only ones keeping an eye on the royal family.

The grounds of Buckingham Palace are adorned with cameras, motion detectors and security from all angles. Underground tunnels can help get family members out of the building, should they need to escape.

Horse Guard

The royal family is also protected by the Horse Guard. Located between the palace and Whitehall, the building houses the cavalry, the family carriages and cars.

Part of the building is open to the public as a museum. The Changing of the Guards' horse parade is even more exciting to witness than the Changing of the Guards.

The Kitchen

The royal kitchen may have to cook for up to 3,000 people in one day if a diplomatic reception is taking place. Past chefs spilled that the Queen's favorite was venison, and her least favorite was garlic, which is banned.

Interestingly enough, menus for receptions are also written in French.

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New virtual tour of Buckingham Palace takes public inside royal residence

Now anyone can take a peek inside the regal rooms of Buckingham Palace without stepping foot in London — or even the airport.

A collaboration between the British monarchy and Google Expedition has yielded a virtual reality tour of the royal palace, allowing visits inside some of the state rooms that have welcomed dignitaries from around the world, as well as up-close look at the art collection, furniture and fixtures inside Queen Elizabeth’s official residence.

The tour can be accessed on a computer through the official British Monarchy YouTube channel , but is perhaps best viewed on a smart phone, where a mere swipe of the screen provides full panoramic views of each room.

RELATED: Man who sent Queen Elizabeth Christmas cards for 60 years gets royal reply

Photos for the tour were taken last week by 16 cameras placed in circle, each taking a different shot at the same time and then pulled together to provide 360-degree images of the palace.

The tour lasts just under 10 minutes and is guided by Tony Johnstone-Burt, the "Master of the Household,” or chief operations officer, for the queen, and royal art curator Anna Reynolds.

The official tour was launched at an event featuring students from a school in east London.

"We asked them, if you could go anywhere in the world where would you want to go and they replied — Buckingham Palace," said Jennifer Holland, Google Expedition's program manager.

Other virtual tours using the Google Expedition program have allowed viewers to tour places Japan's Mount Fuji and the Borneo rainforest, among other locations around the world. The program often is used by teachers as an education project for students.

Interior Tour of Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard - Limited Time Availability!

• Only open to the public for two short months each year, tickets are extremely limited to tour the royal home of King Charles III . Get a rare glimpse of their private estate, gilded furniture and priceless art as you explore the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace .
• Begin this enchanting experience with the renowned Changing of the Foot Guards or Changing of the Horse Guards (depending on the day and Household Cavalry schedule, which is subject to last minute changes), as your English-speaking guide heralds you with historical anecdotes and awe-inspiring events that occurred inside these royal residences.
• Be in the right places at the right times. Our exclusive tour is pre-booked which means guaranteed access with no waiting in line . Limited groups allow individualized attention as you are expertly escorted through the crowds to the best spots for viewing. If you are visiting during these two months, this is a one-of-a-kind must do.

Experience a Tour Inside Buckingham Palace

What's included.

• Expert, English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance ticket for Buckingham Palace
• Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide

Sites Visited

• Buckingham Palace (inside)
• Changing of the Foot Guards or Changing of the Horse Guards
• St James’s Park

We begin with a world-famous ceremony and the oldest tradition at Buckingham Palace – the Changing of the Guard. Depending on the day and the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you’ll either get to see the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards. Your expert local guide will navigate you through the crowds of this time-honored ritual. Here you’ll be entertained with colorful commentary about the pageantry and history behind the ceremony of the King’s red tunic-wearing Foot Guards and their famous bearskin hats as they march with the military band or Household Calvary (depending on your selected tour date). Note: this part of the tour is subject to weather and last minute changes which are beyond our control.

Then on to Buckingham Palace, it looks like a grand bastion to the rest of us, but to King Chalres III it is home sweet home. Only open to visitors once a year for two short months, this is your rare opportunity to explore the State Rooms of the world’s most adored royal family. Get a glimpse into what life is like behind the locked gilded doors and stand in awe amongst the lavish rooms, glittering crystal chandeliers and opulent furnishings.

This tour runs for a limited time each year and tickets are in very high demand. Take the hassle out of booking your tour when you book with City Wonders. With pre-booked entry times and guaranteed access, so you can spend less time organizing and more time appreciating the life of British royalty. Take time to appreciate some of the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures: Sèvres porcelain, the finest English and French furniture in the world, masterful paintings, and ornate décor - many of which were gifts from Heads of State around the world and throughout the centuries.

The official Palace audio guide will introduce you to the history within the walls of Buckingham Palace and its treasured belongings. Though no local guides are allowed to speak inside the palace, your City Wonders expert will captivate you with stories of its most famous (and infamous) residents and colorful historical commentary about the life and traditions of the Royal Court before you set off to see it on your own.

Immerse yourself in London’s most popular, time-honored and absolutely cherished traditions as only City Wonders can deliver on our Buckingham Palace Tour including the Changing of the Guard . View our wide range of Buckingham Palace Tours .

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Important Notes

• The Changing of the Guards is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
• Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

A booking cannot be amended with less than 24 hours notice. Amendments made before this window are possible, but may incur a charge. Any bookings made within the 24 hour window are final and cannot be amended or subject to compensation.  This policy is valid across most of our tours, but is subject to some exceptions. In the case of a tour not being in line with this 24-hour amendment policy, you will find this information in the "Know Before You Go" section of the specific tour page. Tours cannot be amended/canceled with less than 24 hours notice. We are unable to provide compensation for cancelations with the 24 hour window prior to your tour departure, nor can tour dates or times be amended. Bookings made with the 24 hour window are final.

We strongly advise against arriving at the meeting point without a booking as we cannot guarantee that there will be space left on the tour. Our guides are unable to accept payment for tours so any bookings made on the spot will still need to be processed over the phone with payment by credit card.

You can cancel your booking through the ' My Bookings ' section of the website, or  please contact our Customer Care team by phone , chat or email us at   [email protected] . If you have booked your tour through a third party distributor, please contact them directly to cancel or rebook your tour.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

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On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13 Duration: 2 to 3 hours Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

Check prices & availability on:

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161 Duration: 8.5 hours Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee Duration: 9 hours Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37 Duration: 3.5 hours Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482 Duration: 4 hours Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour

Fancy yourself as royalty as you tour the state rooms, throne room and royal collection..

Ready to dive deeper into the Royal Family? Then don't miss your chance to be enthralled by the stories surrounding the monarchy as you tour the stately rooms in Buckingham Palace and surrounding areas like historic St. James's Park and the Mall. Your guide will tell stories about the former country house purchased for Queen Charlotte that is now the official home of King Charles III. An unforgettable morning getting to know the British Royals is waiting for you!

• Meet your guide at St. James Square
• St. James Park
• Royal Gates

Buckingham Palace

Palace state rooms, throne room.

• End inside Buckingham Palace

After meeting your small group and local guide at St. James Square, you'll head to the historic and stunning St. James's Park for a stroll through the trees and along the pond as your guide wows you with remarkable stories about the former hunting ground of King Henry VIII. You will also visit the Mall as you imagine royal carriages go by. Then, you will make your way into the most famous Royal Palace in London, up the grand staircase of Buckingham Palace, as one of only a few who manage to get tickets.

Buckingham Palace Tour Description

Your 2.5-hour tour includes:

Walking tour of St. James Park and the Mall

Admission ticket to Buckingham Palace

Audio guide for palace tour

A friendly, local guide

St. James Park and the Mall

This luscious 57-acre park is such an oasis in the bustling concrete jungle of London. But there’s more to it than just serenity. It’s known past dates back to a 13th-century leper colony. Fast forward to the 16th century and King Henry VIII fortified the area against repeated flooding so he could use it for his hunting lodge.

The Mall, which is the main road used by the Changing of the Guard and the Royal Family during public processionals, also has an important role from history. The transformation of this whole area as an important part of the Buckingham Palace property will come to life as your guide explains its unique history.

The palace waiting for you at the end of the Mall is what you came to see. Your guide will lead you to the correct entrance and verify your entry tickets, so you don’t have to worry about getting inside. Since no tour guides are allowed inside Buckingham Palace, they’ll make sure you’re set with your audio guide and bid you farewell.

While most of the palace is not open to the public, for a few weeks out of the year you can explore some of the most palatial rooms of the British monarchy. This part of your self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace will lead you through the ornate State Rooms. These are where the Royal Family entertain or meet with private guests.

You’ll see rooms like the White Drawing Room, the Ballroom, and the Throne Room. All of which have world-class paintings and vintage furniture—some of which have existed since the 1800s!

The room that interests most guests at Buckingham Palace is the Throne Room. Your audio guide will help you understand the importance and history of those stately chairs (Chairs of Estate) that were even used by Queen Victoria! It’s an incredible room to stand in as you feel the centuries of history and tradition that built a lasting empire.

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What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

10 total reviews

An Exceptional St. James Park and Buckingham Palace Tour with Sophie and The Tour Guy

Sophie's guided walking tour through St. James Park and along The Mall to Buckingham Palace was one of the highlights of our trip to London. Her wealth of knowledge about the history and significance of these iconic London landmarks enriched our experience. Sophie's engaging storytelling made the past come alive, and her passion for the city's history was evident. She expertly navigated us through St. James Park's serene beauty and led us to Buckingham Palace with enthusiasm. Sophie's friendly and accommodating demeanor made the tour not just informative but also incredibly enjoyable. Highly recommend Sophie for an exceptional London tour! Thank you to the The Tour Guy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Please wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour.

Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?

Photography is not allowed inside the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, which is where most of your tour occurs.

Does this include a guided tour of the palace?

Due to palace restrictions, no tour guides are allowed to accompany groups into the palace. After your guided tour of St. James Park and the Mall, your guide will lead you to the correct entrance, verify your tickets, and provide you with your audio guides for your self-guided tour.

Will we get to see the Changing of the Guard?

This tour has a timed entry at mid-morning, which means you'll be inside the palace during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. You can also book our Changing of the Guard and Westminster tour if you’re really hoping to witness that ceremony.

Can I bring a stroller or backpack?

There is a security check before entering Buckingham Palace. You'll need to store any strollers or large bags at the check-in before entering security. Smaller bags and purses are allowed. Water bottles are allowed, but food and drink cannot be consumed inside the palace.

Why don't I see any availability for this tour?

Buckingham Palace is only open for a few weeks and certain days in July and August. If you’re interested in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, check out our Westminster tours that run all year long.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Inside Buckingham Palace Tour Review

Buckingham Palace stands as an iconic masterpiece among the world’s most important building. For centuries, it has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereign. Today, it not only holds historical significance but also serves as the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.

If you share my fascination for the Royal Family, the mere thought of visiting Buckingham Palace might ignite a spark of excitement. While many assume that its status as a working palace would restrict access to its interiors, I am delighted to inform you that this is not the case.  Every year, it is typically open to the public for a few weeks in the summer.

In the summer of 2019, I was fortunate enough to embark on a remarkable journey inside Buckingham Palace. Now, allow me to share my unforgettable experience with you, shedding light on what you can anticipate for the 2024 Summer Opening.

*New for 2024, you will also be able to book a tour of the East Wing which includes the Central Balcony!

By the end of this review, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the tour, empowering you to make an informed decision on whether it is an endeavor you would like to undertake. So, without further ado, let me delve into the intricacies of my Buckingham Palace tour.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

If you can’t make it to the Summer Opening, you can take a virtual tour of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms here .

The History of Buckingham Palace

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Buckingham Palace was originally the home of the Duke of Buckingham.  In 1763, it was purchased by George III to use as a royal retreat for his Queen Charlotte. 

When his son, George IV took over, he brought in his favorite architect, John Nash, to refurbish the retreat into an excellent palace that would house his art collection and also be a place to conduct official business.  While the remodeling budget may have spiraled a bit out of control, much of Nash’s design work has stood the test of time.

When William IV became king in 1830, he opted to stay at Clarence House because he disliked the extravagance of Buckingham Palace.  Some remodeling went unfinished and the palace fell into disrepair since it wasn’t occupied. When his niece, Victoria, became Queen she was excited to escape her childhood home of Kensington Palace and move into Buckingham Palace.

Queen Victoria was the first monarch to call Buckingham Palace her official residence.  It didn’t bother her that after years of being empty, the palace was in dismal condition. Her husband, Prince Albert, took the initiative to change that.

As Victoria and Albert’s family grew, they needed more space, so they added a new wing (now known as the East Wing) and Marble Arch which originally stood in front of Buckingham Palace was moved to its current location in Hyde Park.  The East Wing is now the front and most recognizable part of Buckingham Palace.

Queen Victoria also added the huge Ballroom and Ball Supper Room so that there was more room for entertaining.

As one of the most famous buildings in the world, people are curious about what Buckingham Palace is like behind those famous black and gold gates. The palace is as mysterious and fascinating as it is impressive. Here are some interesting facts to put things in perspective:

• The Palace was built in 1703 and originally known as Buckingham House.
• There are 775 rooms inside Buckingham Palace – including 19 State Rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. – with a floor area of 77,000 square feet.
• The palace has 760 windows and 1,514 doors.
• More than 800 people work at Buckingham Palace
• London is built on several rivers that run underground or have been diverted. What’s left of the River Tyburn (not a lot, a sewer basically) runs right underneath the palace.
• It takes two people 10 hours to adjust all the clocks in the palace when the time changes.
• The chandeliers in the palace are from the reign of George IV.  All the glass was cut by hand. They were converted to electricity during the time of Queen Victoria.
• Buckingham Palace was one of the first places to have electricity, telephones, and telegraphs.
• It also has its own post office and an ATM.
• Only one monarch, Edward VII, was born and died at Buckingham Palace. William IV was also born at the palace.  Queen Elizabeth gave birth to King Charles III there too.
• It was bombed during World War II.  It received nine direct bomb hits, some when the royal family was in residence.  Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother said: “I’m glad we’ve been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face.”
• The Queen entertains 50,000 people per year.  That includes the 30,000 guests that attend the Garden Parties each year.
• The gardens contain the oldest helicopter pad in London.  A helicopter was first landed in the garden in 1953, not on an official helipad, but in a helicopter landing area, which continued to be used for many years.  Nearly 50 years later, in 2000, the Royal family decided they didn’t want the lawn to continue to get destroyed from helicopter landings, and built an official helipad in the gardens. A concrete helipad would have been far too unsightly, so the Royal helipad is created from a layer of matting underneath the grass. 
• Buckingham Palace had its first Summer Opening in 1993 as a way to raise money to repair damage from the fire at Windsor Castle .  During the 2019 open days, 500,000 people are expected to visit Buckingham Palace.  

Yes, the public is allowed inside the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace during the Summer Opening when the Queen is away in Scotland.  There are also select other days throughout the year when tours are allowed.

If you want to learn more about London and the Royal Family, you could do this Royal London Walking tour that includes entrance to Buckingham Palace.

Note: The Summer Opening for 2024 is July 11th – September 29th.

As you can imagine they run quite a tight ship at the palace, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t bring any unnecessary bags.  I had read that they do have a cloak room and large bags will need to be checked but they don’t allow suitcases.  I decided to bring my smaller backpack (the one that almost fits Ryanair’s carry on baggage specifications) and planned on checking it so I wouldn’t have to carry it around.  Well, they said it was too small to check and then when I got in the State Rooms they made me take it off and carry in on my side. It got heavy! (They do not allow backpacks to be worn inside the State Rooms on either your front or back, they must be carried on the side.)
• They don’t allow photography inside the State Rooms but you can take photos in the Buckingham Palace Gardens
• There are no public toilets inside Buckingham Palace.  The only toilets available are in the gardens after you go through the State Rooms.
• The exhibit inside the State Rooms changes every year.  For 2019, it was a tribute to Queen Victoria to celebrate the 200th anniversary of her birth.

After security checks, you can pick up the audio tour.  Technically it is a multimedia guide because on the screen they show pictures.  They offer both an adult and a family version.  Once we had our guides, we proceeded to go inside the Palace.  We walked through a few hallways and then arrived at the Quadrangle where the tour would begin.  

Through the gates, I could see the crowds of people outside.  I imagined the royal procession lining up, ready to leave the palace.  The different colors of stone between the east wing and the rest of the palace made sense as it’s the newest part of the palace. 

The Irish Coach was also on display. I couldn’t believe that this coach originally purchased by Queen Victoria was still in such pristine condition.

Note: During 2019 when we visited there was a special exhibition about Queen Victoria.  For 2022, in honor of the Platinum Jubilee there was a special display featuring the first official portraits of the Queen Elizabeth II and her personal jewellery.  For 2023, there is a special Coronation display.

Inside Buckingham Palace

Walking into the palace through the same entrance that countless world leaders had used was awe-inspiring.  I pictured the motorcade dropping off the president for his audience with the Queen.

Then I played the next section of the audio guide and it made me smile hearing Prince Charles’s voice on the audio guide welcoming us into his childhood home.  It was good to hear from a member of the Royal Family and it acted as a reminder that this is a home as much as it is a working building.

Next, we turned to climb the Grand Staircase, typically the centerpiece of any palace or stately home.   As you’d expect, the staircase at Buckingham Palace doesn’t disappoint. The curved staircase with the red carpet and elaborate railings reminded me of a grand entrance to a southern plantation from Gone With the Wind. 

There is a sense of anticipation and drama about what the rest of the palace will look like. The stairs lead to the Guard Room and into the Green Drawing Room beyond. In this room, I immediately recognized the famous portrait of George III by Ramsay .

After the Green Drawing Room, we entered the Throne Room which has been used for entertaining and is a popular setting for royal wedding photos.  On display as part of the special exhibit was Queen Victoria’s throne. I was surprised how close they let you get to it.

Further away we could see the thrones for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.  I thought it was funny that these looked more worn and faded than Victoria’s throne although they had only been used once – on Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day.

We moved on to the Picture Gallery which is a long narrow room full of famous paintings that are part of the Royal Collection.  The ceiling in this room is made of glass and I appreciated the natural light coming in.

The Royal Collection actually has 1 million pieces making it the largest private art collection in the world. It includes works from Titian, Rembrandt, Canaletto, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci, to name a few.  If you are interested in seeing the Royal Collection, some of it can be viewed online here .

We walked through the lobby and the Silk Tapestry Room into the East Gallery which is another long room with some spectacular artwork.  In this case, the paintings displayed were mostly large ones depicting important events in Victoria’s life – her wedding, her coronation, and the christening of her second son.  The details in the paintings helped show what it would have been like to be present during these celebrations.

Next door, the Ball Supper Room was filled with interesting artifacts related to Victoria.  Seeing one of her actual dresses made me realize how short she was (shorter than I am at 5’3”).  I mean, it is well known that Vicky was short, but it’s not until you see one of her dresses that it actually comes to life. The size of the dress somehow made her feel fragile, almost like a doll. 

In addition to the dress, other artifacts in the room were her coronation cape, a cradle for Princess Louise, and a small cabinet holding her children’s teeth. I was amazed at the excellent condition everything was in.  There were also projections on the ceiling to show what the room would have looked like in Victoria’s time.

As you enter the Ballroom, which is the largest room in Buckingham Palace, signs instructed everyone to remove the headsets.  Then you can hear some lovely classical music playing.

We walked further into the room and we could see what looked like people dancing back in Victoria’s time.  It was actually a projection reflected onto glass. They used a similar technique, called Pepper’s Ghost , during Queen Victoria’s time.

After the Ballroom, we went into the State Dining Room.  I was surprised that the room only holds 46 people for dinner unlike St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.  Luckily they have other bigger rooms like the Ballroom or the Picture Gallery for events.

Regardless of the size, the room was a feast for the eyes.  The table was elaborately set for the dessert course and the walls were filled with large portraits of Victoria’s ancestors. Like every room in the palace, large, sparkling chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.  At the end of the room, you can see the Apollo clock, one of 1,000 clocks in the Royal Collection.  

Next up are a series of rooms used for entertainment – The Blue Drawing Room, the Music Room, and the White Drawing Room.  In the Blue Drawing Room, don’t miss the Table of the Great Commanders. It was commissioned by Napoleon and later gifted to George IV from King Louis XVIII of France.  

The Music Room has good acoustics because of the curved walls. V & A shared a love of music and liked to spend time in this room, playing instruments with family and friends.  It is fitting that you can see a bust of Prince Albert here that was commissioned only weeks after his death. The Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, the Duke of York and Prince William were all christened in the Music Room by the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

The White Drawing Room may have been my favorite room in the palace.  It is breathtaking with elaborate chandeliers and two huge mirrors. One of the mirrors is actually a secret door between the State Rooms and the Private Apartments.  The Queen uses it whenever she doesn’t want to make a grand entrance.

After leaving the White Drawing Room, you walk through the Ante Room and down the Minister’s Staircase.  I assume these stairs get their name because this must be the route the Prime Minister takes for his/her weekly audience with the Queen.  They may not be as dramatic as the Grand Staircase but the gold details are still awe-inspiring.

Next, you enter Marble Hall.  This is another long room, but this one holds many classical marble sculptures.  The most impressive might be the one of Venus and Mars in a lovers’ pose right at the bottom of the stairs.  You can’t miss it, it is huge!

After taking some time to admire more of the artwork we made our way into the Bow Room, which would be the last one on our Buckingham Palace Tour.  There you will find a painting of the Buckingham Palace Garden party from the time of Queen Victoria.  It makes for a seamless transition to the next phase of the visit.

After the State Rooms, you exit the palace into the gardens.  Here you can pick up any items from the cloakroom and also take a break in the Buckingham Palace Garden Cafe. 

We stopped for coffees which were reasonably priced considering the venue. They also serve scones, sandwiches, and a few other snacks.  The tables are under cover with a view over the lawn.

After our coffee, we took some pictures on the steps of Buckingham Palace, then we began the 10-minute walk through the gardens to the exit.  The walk goes by the bathrooms, gift shop, ticket office, lake, and ice cream shop.

We took our time admiring the views back to the palace and taking more pictures.  Fans of the royal family will be tempted in the gift shop, but I must warn you it is expensive, so it might be a good idea to skip if you are on a tight budget.  

At the ticket office, you can get your ticket stamped to turn it into a one-year pass if you bought it through the Royal Collection Trust directly.  They also offer tickets to Windsor Castle .   

We took so long taking pictures that by the time we got to the ice cream shop it was closed!  The lake was serene with several different birds. Walking through the garden, I found it hard to believe I was in the middle of London.  It was so peaceful. Keep in mind, even on this walk you only see a small portion of the Buckingham Palace Gardens, which cover 39 acres.  You will exit the gardens onto Grosvenor Place.

Each year, the Queen throws her annual garden parties.  It is actually a tradition started by Queen Victoria. The Queen also has garden parties at Holyrood Palace when she is in Scotland.

They offer a guided Garden tour for those that want to learn more.  There is an additional charge and tickets for the tour need to be purchased in advance.

I highly recommend taking a tour of Buckingham Palace.  It’s an iconic building with lots of history so it’s fascinating to see a bit behind the scenes. 

I thought the audio tour was well-done and easy to use. It was exciting to hear the voice of Prince Charles during the welcome, but I would have like to have heard more from the Royal Family – the odd anecdote here and there – throughout the audio guide. 

The palace definitely lives up to its billing.  It is as opulent as you might expect. The collection of artwork and historical pieces is extensive, diverse, and features some of the most famous artists from the last 500 years. 

I learned a lot from the Victoria exhibit and enjoyed hearing Victoria’s own words (from her journals and letters) in the audio guide. Seeing some of the personal artifacts like her throne, dress, daughter’s crib, and children’s teeth provided insight into her life at Buckingham Palace as a Queen, a wife, and a mother.

The wardens were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions.  While there were more people allowed inside the palace than I expected, the staff did an excellent job of keeping things moving.  I think it helped that photos are not allowed inside.

The only negative for me was having to carry my backpack at my side. It did get heavy after a bit and distracted some from the experience.  I wish they would have let me store it in the cloakroom.

Visitors are allowed to go at their own pace through the Buckingham Palace rooms with the multimedia guide.  We spent a little more than two hours inside the palace.

What Else Can You See at Buckingham Palace

There is more to see at Buckingham Palace than just the State Rooms and the Gardens.  If you have time, consider visiting:

When you visit the Royal Mews, you can see the Carriage Horses, the State Coach, the Diamond Jubilee Coach and more.  A multimedia guide is included with your admission and on some days they do have guided tours too. Allow an hour for your visit. Check opening and tour schedule here .

Inside the Queen’s Gallery, they have changing exhibits from the Royal Collection.  Check the opening hours and exhibition schedule here .  Currently, to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, more than 200 of the Renaissance master’s greatest drawings are on display.  It’s best to buy your ticket to the Queen’s Gallery in advance as it can sell out. A multimedia guide is included with admission. Allow one hour for your visit.  

Both of these attractions require tickets which can be bought with the State Room tickets or on their own.  Alternatively, the Royal Mews and Queens Galley are both included as part of the London Pass.  Click here to see if the London Pass can save you money on your trip to London.

They also remain open longer than the State Rooms, although they do close for times during the year.  Check the schedules on the links above. 

As well as these formal attractions, there is also the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace which you can watch for free. Get there early if you want to see this. It is one of the most popular things to see in London! Check the schedule here . 

If you want to learn more about the traditions and make sure not to miss any of the action, consider taking a Changing of the Guard tour.  This tour takes you to two special vantage points for the ceremony and also includes a visit to the Westminster Dome with amazing views of central London.

If you are interested in learning more about the Changing of the Guard (while the ceremony is not taking place), there is an online tour with a London Blue Badge Guide through Take Walks.  You will learn more about the tradition and can ask the expert questions in this live experience.  It costs $8 for the tour, but you will also receive a $25 voucher for any Take Walks tour, valid for 2 years.  Get more information here .

Buckingham Palace Tickets

For the 2022 Buckingham Palace Summer Opening, there are three ticket options through the Royal Collection Trust:

During your visit to the Palace, you can see the magnificent State Rooms and learn more about their history with a multimedia guide.  For 2022, there will be a special display ‘Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession’.

You can add a guided tour of the Gardens to you visit to the State Rooms.

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Buckingham Palace, you can go to the State Rooms, The Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews with the Royal Day Out ticket.  It is cheaper than purchasing admission to the attractions separately.

In addition to the Summer Opening, there are select dates when they offer an Exclusive Evening Tour.  This will be more expensive because it’s a small group (max 30 people) tour led by an expert guide. The tour ends with a glass of champagne and also includes a copy of the official souvenir guide and 20% discount in the shop. 

It’s best to get tickets in advance as it does sell-out.  All tickets will be for a specific time to help with crowd control.  Proceeds from the tickets go to the Royal Collection Trust. If you buy tickets through a third-party, it cannot be converted into a one-year pass.  Click here to purchase tickets online from the Royal Collection Trust.

Yes, the State Rooms are fully accessible. There is step-free access via a separate entrance at the front of the palace and elevators inside. Special access tickets must be booked in advance by calling +44 (0) 303 123 7324.

Buckingham Palace is conveniently located in Westminster in Central London and there are several ways to get there.  It’s a short walk from the Green Park underground (tube) station through Green Park. Alternatively, it is not far from Victoria or St. James Park Stations either.

The walk through the park (one of many gorgeous parks in London ) is relaxing and attractive, but if you want to approach the palace from the same direction that visiting dignitaries go, take the tube to Charing Cross Station which is just the other side of Trafalgar Square. Cross the Square, go through Houseguard Parade, and up the Mall towards the Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace. This is often lined with Union Jacks. You’ll also notice the tarmac is red, so it’s a bit like going to the palace along a red carpet!

You will find the entrance for the tour of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms on the South side.  In other words, if you are facing the front of Buckingham Palace, walk around to the left side. If you already have a ticket enter through Gate C.  If you have a voucher that needs to be exchanged, go to Gate A first. These are well signposted on the South side and there are uniformed staff to direct you.

Remember it is a popular attraction so there will be lines.  If already have a ticket, you still need to go through the airport-style security.  They don’t make anyone take off shoes or get out computers, but they do scan bags and make everyone walk through a screener.  I would suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before the time on your ticket (a bit longer if you have to exchange a voucher).

Yes! The State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace did not disappoint.  They were as opulent as I dreamed they would be.

The tour may seem expensive but the proceeds are going to help preserve the history and legacy. That’s supporting a worthwhile cause and it’s an experience I don’t think I will soon forget.

Have you had the chance to visit Buckingham Palace?

Pin for Later

• Buy a timed ticket in advance.  Check the calendar to see the days that the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open.
• Try not to bring bags other than purses when visiting the State Rooms.
• Photos are not allowed inside the State Rooms.  Take pictures in front of the palace or in the gardens instead.

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Last Updated on April 3, 2024

About the Author

Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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Buckingham Palace Tour 2023 | An inside look at a working palace

Take an inside look at how a Royal Palace works with a tour of Buckingham Palace next summer.

Ahead of the summer opening of Buckingham Palace last year, I took the opportunity to do a guided tour around the Palace.

The tour covered the State Rooms which is where the King and the Royal Family entertain guests on official occasions such as State Visits, Receptions and Investitures. All of which are included in the summer opening of the palace.

Limited to 30 guests and led by a guide you are taken behind the scenes to get a glimpse into how the Palace works. 

The Palace is currently undergoing a reservicing programme to bring it up to date (and give it a bit of a spruce up) so some of the rooms were out of action. However, that didn’t detract from the tour in any way.

Before getting into the tour, I thought I’d share some of the history behind the Palace and some interesting facts you might not have known.

A little bit of history

King George III (reigned 1760-1820) purchased Buckingham House in 1761 to use as a home for his wife, Queen Charlotte and their family.

The house had been built by the Duke of Buckingham in the early 1700s although the history of the site can be traced back much further than that.

When George IV (1820-1830) ascended to the throne he hired architect, John Nash, to expand the building turning it into a Palace. However, he died before the work was completed.

When his brother William IV became King in 1830, he wasn’t interested in moving to Buckingham Palace, preferring to stay at Clarence House.

It wasn’t until Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837 that the house became the official residence of the monarch.

With a growing family and a lack of space for entertaining, Queen Victoria complained to the Prime Minister leading to another expansion of the house. A new wing was built, enclosing the forecourt and including the central balcony and a Ballroom was added.

The interior was redecorated during King Edward VII reign (1901-1910) and the front of the Palace was resurfaced during George V’s reign (1910-1936).

Buckingham Palace has been home to the current monarch since 1952. It is currently undergoing a 10-year refurbishment to bring it into the 21st century and to reduce the risk of future damage to the building and Royal Collection.

Fun Fact: As part of the expansion during Queen Victoria’s reign, the triumphal arch was moved to the north-east corner of Hyde Park which we all now know as Marble Arch.

A few facts about Buckingham Palace

• It’s a working palace – the HQ of the British Monarchy
• There are 775 rooms including 19 State Rooms, 52 bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.
• There are 760 windows and 1,514 doors
• It has a cinema, swimming pool and squash court
• More than 50,000 guests visit each year for events such as garden parties, banquets and receptions
• The gardens cover 16 hectares
• It is home to one of the largest collections of clocks and watches in the world with over 350 throughout the palace.
• It is one of six royal residences in London .

Overview of the Buckingham Palace guided tour

It’s been over 10 years since I had been inside the Palace as part of the summer opening in 2011. So when an email dropped into my inbox earlier this year with details of some guided tours this spring I thought it was time to pay another visit. 

I chose a guided tour for two reasons. Firstly, the small group appealed as I wanted to avoid the crowds of the summer opening. Secondly, I thought it would be interesting to have someone guide you around pointing out the interesting bits. 

That said, I recently did a self-guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and it was very well done. I’m sure the Buckingham Palace ones are as good but sometimes it’s just nice to have someone showing you around in person.

The tour met in the Queen’s Gallery and once through the airport-style security I was directed to a holding room to wait for my fellow guests. Here, I was given a lanyard with details of what tour group I was in. To keep track of everyone I guess. 

Once everyone had arrived, there was a quick briefing and we were taken into the Palace through the gallery.

Over the following hour, our guide led us through some of the State Rooms including 

• The Grand Entrance and Hall

The Grand Staircase

The green drawing room.

• The Throne Room 

The Picture Gallery

• The Ballroom 

The Blue Drawing Room

The music room.

• White Drawing Room

We were not allow to take photos so apologies for the text heavy post.

Tip: If you visit the Royal Collection Site you can see photos of most of the rooms and even explore some in 360 images .

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

The grand hall.

Fittingly the tour starts in The Grand Hall, which is a few steps up from The Grand Entrance. This is the bit you often see on TV when the Royal Family return from events or when visitors arrive for honour ceremonies and garden parties.

The hall certainly lives up to its name and you can imagine the wow factor when stepping into the Palace for the first time. Probably a bit overwhelming I expect. 

In one corner was a small table with some items that had been discovered during the reservicing works including some pages from a 1913 edition of the London Evening Standard which had been found stuffed in a wall.

Overlooking the courtyard, our tour started as the Changing of the Guard was taking place giving a unique view of the ceremony.

Tip: Book a Buckingham Palace ticket for lunchtime onwards if you’d like to see the famous spectacle first.

Perhaps unsurprisingly The Grand Hall leads to The Grand Staircase. While the hall was pretty grand it pales in comparison to the sweeping staircase with its lavish red carpet, marble stairs and bronze lining.

It’s kind of strange to think about all the other footsteps that have climbed or glided down those stairs – from Kings and Queens to Heads of State and celebrities of the day. 

The upper walls are adorned with full-length portraits of Queen Victoria’s family including her parents, The Duke and Duchess of Kent and her Grandparents George III and Queen Charlotte.

The Green Drawing Room takes its name from the green silk coverings ordered by Queen Adelaide in 1834. The furnishings are also green and displayed around the room are Sevres porcelain vases which were chosen to match.

These days the room is often used when hosting diplomatic receptions.

The Throne Room

Two doors in the Green Drawing Room open to reveal the Throne Room.

This room is instantly recognisable from the wedding photos of the Queen and Prince Philip and more recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

The centrepiece of the room is the two throne chairs at the end which were used in the coronation of The Queen in 1953 – the only time they have been used. 

On either side of the platform are chairs used by previous Kings and Queens. On one side are the two thrones used by King George VI and Queen Mary and on the other side is the chair used by Queen Victoria.

You can get surprisingly close to the chairs so you can see the detailed embroidered monograms and notice how low down Queen Victoria’s chair is. 

A long narrow room created for King George IV’s picture collection, the gallery now displays paintings from the Royal Collection. 

The gallery includes pieces from Canaletto, Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Vermeer and the paintings are regularly changed.

As part of the reservicing works, the ceiling has recently been replaced. The previous one was almost 200 years old so it lasted pretty well I guess.

While admiring the artwork or the new ceiling, it’s easy to forgot to look down at the carpet with its lovely flower motifs.

The Picture Gallery is also used for entertaining during State Visits, receptions and other official events. 

More items from the Royal Collection can be seen in the Queen’s Gallery .

Fun Fact: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Wedding Cake was displayed in the Picture Gallery.

The Ballroom

The spectacular Ballroom is the largest room in the Palace and was built during Queen Victoria’s reign. 

Today, it is used for State Banquets, where The King hosts Heads of State, and investitures, where people are awarded for their achievements.

For the guided tour it was set up with rows of seats facing the platform at the end of the room so you could sit and imagine what it might be like to watch an investiture. 

Our guide explained what happens during those ceremonies and how the room is set up when hosting a state banquet.  

Fun fact: It takes 10 days to set up for a state banquet

Fun fact two : (as this one is worth sharing too): 12 pipers march around the room to signal the banquet is over. You can blame Queen Victoria for that.

Before the addition of The Ballroom in 1855, the Blue Drawing room was used as the Palace Ballroom. The room takes its name from the blue flocked wallpaper and is used for receptions. 

Fun Fact: The BBC turned The Blue Drawing Room into its studio for The One Show in February 2022 to mark 100 days until the Platinum Jubilee weekend. 

The Music Room is at the centre of the West Front of the Palace and its tall arch windows overlook the Buckingham Palace Gardens. The room has not really changed since its completion in 1831.

It’s hard to say what the star of this room was. The high domed ceiling gilded with the English Rose, Scottish Thistle and Irish Shamrock? Or the two spectacular cut glass chandeliers – the only two in the palace that can be lowered by remote control?

This room has hosted a number of royal christenings including three of The Queen’s children and Prince William.

Fun Fact: The piano in the room has been played by Gary Barlow, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder.

The White Drawing Room

The final room of the tour was the White Drawing Room. While it may be one of the smaller reception rooms in Buckingham Palace, it is one of the grandest.

If you are a viewer of the King’s Christmas broadcast, the room may feel a little familiar as the messages have often been recorded in this room. 

As well as being used for audiences and small gatherings, guests from larger events meet The Queen in this room before heading to one of the larger State Room to mingle.

One of the highlights of this room was the Erard grand piano. Commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1856, the piano with its gilded case was intended as a showpiece for the State Rooms.

Fun Fact: The King and other members of the Royal Family can enter this room via a hidden door.

All too soon our tour was over and time to hand our lanyards in, pick up a complimentary copy of the official souvenir guide and head back out into the London sunshine.

FAQ: A few things to know about visiting Buckingham Palace

If you are thinking of booking a future guided tour, here are a few things to be aware of…

• The tour lasts an hour
• Before starting the tour, you will need to go through security 
• There is a cloakroom 
• There are toilets at the start and end of the tour
• You can’t eat or drink inside the palace (bottled water is ok though)
• Photography is not allowed
• There is no seating on the tour but you can bring a folding stool
• The hour goes very quickly

When can you visit Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is open for ten weeks during the summer. This year the dates are 22 July – 2 October. A timed admission system is in place so you can choose the time you would like to visit when booking tickets .

You can also book tickets through Get Your Guide who offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance just in case you have to change your plans.

They also offer tickets to The Royal Mews, whee you can see some of the state coaches and maybe a few horses. Tickets usually go on sale around spring time.

There are also selected openings, such as the guided tour I did, through the spring and winter. Keep an eye on the Royal Trust Collection site for information on future dates. 

How much does a Buckingham Palace tour cost?

The guided tour I took was £65 and included a copy of the official souvenir guide. 

The summer opening prices range from £30 (adult ticket) for a self-guided tour of The State Rooms to £55 for a Royal Day Out ticket. 

Discounts are available for family booking.

2 thoughts on “ Buckingham Palace Tour 2023 | An inside look at a working palace ”

I Would Enjoy Seeing The Photos Of Buchingham Palace. Thank You. Sue Younger

Hi Sue, unfortunately you are no allowed to take photos inside Buckingham Palace. If you head over to to their website you can see some 360 degree photos of some of the rooms in the palace .

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Ultimate Inside Buckingham Palace tour

Can you tour Buckingham Palace? Yes, every summer the King allows visitors to see an inside Buckingham Palace tour and if you act quickly enough you can book tickets online and not miss out.

For those visiting London from the end of July to the end of September, you may be lucky enough to grab some tickets to see inside Buckingham Palace.

Other Royal residences you can visit include Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle , Clarence House, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace , Westminster and Balmoral which you can see from the end of March until the end of July. There’s also Highgrove House where you can visit the gardens established by Prince Charles (now King of England), and the Tower of London . All these are open to the public at certain times of the year.

Buckingham Palace is open to the public for a few short months in the summer when the King isn’t in residence.

When to visit Buckingham Palace

I’ve been to the Palace many times but never managed to see the inside as it was only opened to the public in 1993. That kinda indicates how old I am lol.

When the King heads to Balmoral for their summer holidays Buckingham Palace is open to the public for some inside tours. Remember this is a working royal palace.

Tips for your Buckingham Palace Tour

• wear comfy walking shoes there is a lot to see and lots of waiting
• It’s a half-mile walk through the Gardens at the end of the tour
• no photography is allowed inside the Palace State Rooms
• tours are audio guided in several languages
• no strollers or pushchairs in the State Rooms
• there are no facilities available until the Royal Gardens
• Yes you can use your camera in the Gardens
• There are metal detectors and heavy security
• Yes Buckingham Palace is accessible to wheelchairs All venues are fully accessible but wheelchair access and step-free access  must be pre-booked  
• There is a cafe and gift shop near the gardens
• All tours include a 1-year pass if you ask for your ticket to be used as a donation when purchased
• Pre-book your ticket online

How much to tour Buckingham Palace?

Tickets to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms cost  £19.50 for adults aged 18 to 24, £30 for adults over 24 years of age, and £16.50 for children over five years of age  – children under five enter for free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Or enjoy a day of royal sightseeing by  buying combined tickets for Buckingham Palace staterooms and Royal Mews  when you select either the  10:45am  or  1:45pm  timeslot. £45 per adult.

Prices: £30 adult for the Staterooms Tour Adult  £35.00 for a guided tour of Gardens and Staterooms

For an evening Buckingham Palace private tour a ticket is £90.

Take a Guided tour of Buckingham Palace

The State Rooms Tickets

With this ticket, you are off to see 19 stunning State Rooms along with herds of other tourists. These tickets have a timed admission so make sure you are on time or you may be refused entry. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for long lineups.

Every year, Buckingham Palace’s summer opening features a special exhibition. 2018 celebrated the 70th birthday of Charles, the Prince of Wales and 2019 featured Queen Victoria and the 200th anniversary of her birth.  

There is always a temporary exhibit included with the State Room tour. This exhibit showcases many of the gifts given to the Royal Family over the years from countries around the world.

You will be able to see the State Dining Room set for a feast. It features the Victoria pattern dessert service and the Alhambra Table fountain is the beautiful centrepiece.

The State Rooms all contain items from the Royal Collection. Paintings adorn the walls by the grandmasters and acclaimed artists, and sculpture and furniture by the finest craftsmen in the world, all available to view and admire.

George IV commissioned much of the work which transformed Buckingham House into a palace in 1825. The architect given this prestigious task was John Nash, who brought the King’s vision to life and made sure the Monarch’s taste was stamped firmly throughout but included his taste in dramatic arches and features.

State Rooms and Garden – Buckingham Palace Tour

You can also take a combined Buckingham Palace State Rooms tour and the Royal Garden guided tour if you love a spectacular English garden. The Garden tour includes the 3-acre lake, the Rose Garden, the enormous Waterloo Vase and the Palace tennis court, where King George VI and Fred Perry played in the 1930s.

The Garden Highlights tour will take around 45 minutes and you meet at the bottom of the steps to the Gardens upon leaving the State Rooms.

Visiting The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

If you are fascinated by royalty and want to see the King ride in state you can see this when they ride to open the Houses of Parliament. This is when the black and gold-trimmed Irish State Coach comes out. The coach travels from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament and this usually takes place late October or early November.

The Royal Mews is where an enormous collection of historic carriages and coaches are kept for the use of the Royal Family. The Royal Mews is also responsible for all the road travel arrangements for the family.

The Royal Mews are open from February to November every year and an adult ticket is£12.00.

It is here you will see the Gold State Coach and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.

The Queens Gallery

 Every year the Queen’s Gallery showcases an exhibition of some of the finest artwork in the country. From November of 2019 until May 2020 the exhibition will be George IV: Art & Spectacle and a tickets are adults £13.50, you can combine a visit to the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery at the ticket price of  £23.00 for an Adult.

If you are interested in doing an ultimate tour of Buckingham Palace then you must take the Royal Day Out. This tour is quite comprehensive and includes the State Rooms, Royal Mews the Queen’s Gallery and the Buckingham Palace Gardens but not a guided tour.  

You will see the Throne Room, the White Drawing Room where the Queen receives official guests and of course the spectacular Ballroom.

Along the route, you will be treated to some of the finest treasures in the world. English and French furniture from masters like Rembrandt, Reubens and Canaletto along with special exhibitions.

Day Out Buckingham Palace Tour

The Day Out Tours lasts around 4.5 hours again you must book your tickets in advance as they all have an allotted time frame for the tour. Tickets for adults are priced at £45

A Private Evening Tour of Buckingham Palace

With the gilded ceilings and glittering chandeliers, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace provide a perfect setting for the many famous masterpieces from the Royal Collection. In the company of an expert guide, you will be taken on a tour through these magnificent rooms when the Palace has closed to visitors for the day.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Family 🇬🇧 past & present (@britishmonarchy)

The experience lasts around 2-2.5 hours and ends with a glass of champagne, a copy of the official souvenir guide and 20% discount in the shop. Cost of the ticket is £85 and they sell out very quickly so book yours as soon as you can.

Royal Gifts’, the special exhibition at the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace. Source: Royal Collection Trust / (c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017.

Trooping the Colour

I watched the Queen Mother and Diana ride down the Mall in a gold carriage. I’ve seen Prince Phillip and Prince Charles on beautiful horses all during the Trooping of the Colour.

The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years.

This is a moment you will never forget as you are crowded to the railings with literally thousands and thousands of other tourists and citizens of London. The King leaves Buckingham Palace in her carriage and rides down the Mall to arrive at the Horse Guards parade precisely at 11 am. Often accompanied by members of the Royal Family on horseback and various carriages.

The Trooping of the Colour is free and there are over 1400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses involved. Once the parade is over the RAF does a fly-by with the Royal family watching from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Off in the distance in Green Park, you will hear the 41-gun salute taking place.

Details of the Trooping the Colour Parade, including how to apply for places in the seated stands at Horse Guard’s Parade, are all on the  Household Division’s website .

Visiting Clarence House

If you love William and Kate and are visiting England in August book your tickets to visit their home Clarence House. Today Clarence House is the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Clarence House is only open during August for the public to visit. Built by John Nash, who it is believed also built Swiss Cottage in Ireland. Clarence House was built for George III’s third son, the Duke of Clarence, and was previously home to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for almost fifty years. All visits include a guided tour led by a Warden.

The arrangement of the rooms and the groupings of their contents remain much as they were in Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s time, with important works from Her Majesty’s collection of art in their original positions. A tour of the House includes five rooms on the ground floor where official engagements are undertaken by Their Royal Highnesses. 

Your tour of Clarence House will allow you to see the renowned Gobelin Tapestry Gobelins tapestry panel depicting Mahommed Ali’s massacre of the Mamelukes in Cairo.

On display are Chippendale chairs, and original portraits of members of the Royal Family going back centuries. And a first edition of Alice in Wonderland which is signed “From the original Alice”. Alice Hargreaves, née Liddell is thought of as being Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for the character of Alice.

To a Landseer Portrait Queen Victoria’s royal pets the greyhound Nero, Hector the Scottish deerhound, Dash the spaniel and Lory, the parrot seen cracking nuts.

The tour of Clarence House begins in the garden, where you can see the formal area added by The Prince of Wales in 2004–5 in memory of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. An Adult Ticket costs £10.30.

Gifts and souvenirs from the Buckingham Palace Tour

Queens gallery shop.

After finishing your tour, drop by The Queen’s Gallery Shop for a souvenir. With a collectable range of bespoke china, homeware and postcards, glittering jewellery, and life-size gold thrones in the children’s area.

Buckingham Palace Official Gift Shop

Located, outside of the Palace walls, Buckingham Palace Road is tucked around the corner from the grand façade; just a short walk from Victoria coach and rail station.

The Royal Mews Gift Shop

Visit the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, and discover a delightful range inspired by coaches, carriages and horses used by The Queen and members of the Royal family.

Buckingham Palace Garden Shop

Open only during the summer months, the Garden Shop is beautifully situated in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

Explore the magnificent state rooms at Buckingham Palace, this summer. Enjoy luxury cakes and tea at the café on the West Terrace and discover wonderful Royal gifts in the Garden Shop.

Now if you can’t make it to England in the summer to visit Buckingham Palace you can see the outside of the Palace at any time of the year.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

You can also see the Changing of the Guard which is one of the most traditional and recognizable ceremonies connected to Buckingham Palace. The correct name of the ceremony known as Changing the Guard is Guard Mounting.

In this process, a New Guard exchanges duty with the Old Guard and both Guards are drawn from one of the regiments of Foot Guards.

Don’t forget to check the date you plan to visit, as the Changing of the Guard can occur at different times and on occasions without music or ceremony.

Times for the Changing of the Guard

10:43 – Old Guard leaves St James’s Palace for Buckingham Palace

10:57 – New Guard leaves Wellington Barracks for Buckingham Palace

11:00 – Official start time for the Changing of the Guard ceremony

The Changing of the Guard ceremony lasts for about 45 minutes

There’s plenty more sights to see in London if you don’t manage to make it to Buckingham Palace. Do you have a favourite?

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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What You Need To Know Before Visiting Buckingham Palace (Yes, You Can Go Inside)

• Key Takeaways:
• Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a major renovation until 2027. Some areas may be closed during the renovation, so it is important to check the official website for updates.
• Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace and other royal palaces were closed to the public and are gradually reopening. The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace will be closed for the rest of the year.
• To visit Buckingham Palace, it is recommended to book in advance and arrive early to allow time for security checks. Certain items are prohibited inside the palace, and photography is only allowed in the garden. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is also worth watching.

One of the things that all Americans will most likely do when traveling to London is visiting Buckingham Palace. A far cry from some of the overrated tourist attractions in London , the palace is still a working royal residence and is definitely worth a visit. Keep reading to find out what you need to know before going.

For 70 years, Buckingham Palace was one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II - now, it is an official residence of King Charles III. The changing of the King's (formerly Queen's) Guard is one of the most iconic attractions in London and something visitors from around the world flock to see.

UPDATE: 2023/10/27 17:07 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Everything People Need To Know When Visiting Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace continues to be a global icon for tourists and English people alike. Although there is a renovation happening until 2027, there will be plenty of tours, photo-ops, and history once you enter the property. Have fun, and be safe!

Buckingham Palace Is Being Slowly Renovated

Because Buckingham Palace is so old, there have been efforts made to renovate the property. According to the Royal Family, the building's infrastructure is in urgent need of a complete overhaul to prevent long-term damage to the building and its contents. Of course, this should not result in anyone's trip being ruined, but it is worth it to check the official website now and then to ensure none of the Palace is closed.

Moreover, Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing major refurbishment works costing £369 million, expected to be completed in 2027. This will be one of the most significant renovations ever to the property, which is the country's way of preserving an iconic landmark. King Charles has been steadfast in his efforts to have this project completed as soon as possible, although such a large Palace can only be repaired so fast.

Visitors can expect certain areas to already be finished, with others closing periodically. Therefore, tours may be adjusted and altered to show more of one section over the other, so keep that in mind. Nobody ever said a renovation was easy!

• When Will Construction Be Done At Buckingham Palace?: Construction at Buckingham Palace is expected to finish in 2027.

These scenic train rides through England may offer something unique to visitors.

Notice Of Closures Following The Death Of The Queen

Following the passing of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Buckingham Palace (and the other royal palaces) were closed to the public. The official residences and palaces have been and will be reopening progressively to the public.

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh reopened later in September. However, Buckingham Palace will not be fully reopening in 2022 as the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace will be closed for the rest of the year.

Ordinary Opening Hours For The State Rooms:

• July to August: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
• September to October: 9.30 to 6.30 pm
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesdays

One should check with the Royal Collection Trust for up-to-date information.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the prettiest destinations in London , and that’s just when looking at it from the outside. Centrally located, it’s super easy to get to and is close to three underground stations: Victoria, Green Park, and St. James’s Park, all of which are about 10 minutes away.

Many tourists choose to get off the Tube at St. James’s Park and then stroll through the luscious gardens in the park on their way to the palace. Alternatively, you could take a cab, but this can take a lot longer than the Tube due to traffic. If you don’t mind walking, the palace is within walking distance of several hotels in Westminster. It’s also one of the stops of the Hop on Hop off bus tour.

These are the cheapest spots to visit in England (outside of London, of course).

When You Can Go Inside

Many tourists are content to observe Buckingham Palace through the gates, but it is possible to go inside. The palace offers internal tours between July and October. It’s a self-guided tour where each participant is given an audio guide and allowed to travel through the rooms included on the tour at their own pace. If you’re touring the palace, you must always follow the designated route, and you won’t be allowed to return to another room you’ve already been to.

Entry Fees Buckingham Palace Only:

• Adult: £30.00 ($33)
• Young Person: £19.50 ($22) (Aged 18 to 24)
• Child: £16.50 ($18) (Aged 5 to 17)

Entry Fees Royal Day Out:

• Adult: £55.00 ($61)
• Young Person: £36.00 ($39) (Aged 18 to 24)
• Child: £30.00 ($33) (Aged 5 to 17)

The Royal Day Out includes access to the Royal Mews, The Queen's Galley, and Buckingham Palace. The tour offers access to 19 of the 775 rooms in the palace. You’ll get a chance to walk through the State Rooms where the Queen entertains guests for state affairs, including the Throne Room and the White Drawing Room. You’ll also get to see the Ballroom and walk through the garden on the way out. You also have the option to pay more for access to the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery.

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Book In Advance And Be On Time

Because the palace is only open to visitors for four months every year, places fill up very quickly. Book in advance as far ahead as possible. When purchasing your tickets online, you’ll be able to choose an entrance time, and the sooner in advance you book your ticket, the better chance you’ll have of selecting a convenient time slot.

• Tip: Plan Ahead And Book Tickets Well In Advance

One of the things to know before your Buckingham Palace tour is that you should arrive at the palace between 15 and 30 minutes early. There is always a long queue to get through security, and if you’re too late, there’s a chance you will miss out on your tour.

RELATED: 10 Etiquette Tips For Afternoon Tea In England

The Rules Of Entry

Understandably, there are a few rules of entry that all tour participants are required to follow when visiting the palace. Certain items are banned, including liquids, food, backpacks, scissors, penknives, and luggage. If you bring any of these items in, they will be confiscated. In some cases, they will be returned as you exit the palace. Those with large umbrellas are also asked to check them before embarking on the tour.

Photography is permitted in the garden but not in the staterooms. Mobile phones must also be switched off during the tour. Baby pushers are also not permitted in the staterooms.

These are some of the most historic English towns to visit in the North and South end of the country.

RELATED: How Not To Go Broke In London

Other Things To Do At Buckingham Palace

If you don’t book a tour of Buckingham Palace, it’s still worth a visit. Many visitors are content to admire the palace from the outside, but there’s also the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In June and July, this generally takes place every day, although it is subject to change.

From August to May, you can catch the ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The official start time is 11 a.m. and there are several vantage points to watch the ceremony from, including the Buckingham Palace Gate and the Victoria Memorial.

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King Charles to return to public duties while continuing cancer treatment

Monarch to resume public-facing engagements after palace says doctors ‘very encouraged’ by his progress

King Charles, who is being treated for cancer, is to return to public duties, with doctors pleased and “very encouraged” by his progress and “positive” about his continued recovery, Buckingham Palace has said.

Charles, who announced in early February he had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, will continue treatment while resuming some public-facing engagements, though he will not undertake a full summer programme.

His first engagement will be to visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday accompanied by Queen Camilla , though it is not a centre directly involved in his medical care. There he will meet medical specialists and patients as patron of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

He will also host a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June.

A palace spokesperson said Charles was “greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise”.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty the King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.

“To help mark this milestone, the king and queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.

“As the first anniversary of the coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”

The spokesperson said the king’s treatment programme would continue, “but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress so far that the king is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties”.

Engagements will be adapted to minimise any risks to his continued recovery. The spokesperson added it was too early to say how much longer Charles’s treatment would continue, but his medical team “are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the king’s continued recovery”.

“Any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way, and will remain subject to doctors’ advice, but it will not be a full summer programme. His Majesty will of course continue with all official state business and selected audiences, as he has done throughout his period of treatment.”

Though Charles will now be able to meet people indoor and outdoors, each engagement will be carefully reviewed and managed to reduce any risk to his continued recovery.

His engagements will also be paced to prevent him overdoing it while continuing treatment. The “pacing” will be “carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team”, the spokesperson said.

The king’s summer programme would, under normal circumstances, include the Birthday Parade, D-Day commemorations, the annual Buckingham Palace garden parties, Royal Ascot and an autumn tour overseas.

“Planning continues for ways in which Their Majesties may attend such summer and autumn engagements, though nothing can be confirmed or guaranteed at this stage,” the spokesperson said,

Charles’s cancer was diagnosed after treatment for a benign enlarged prostate, though it is not prostate cancer. Buckingham Palace has said it has no plans to share further details of his specific condition or treatment plan at this stage.

The Princess of Wales revealed on 22 March that she had also been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer, and is undergoing preventive chemotherapy.

The king has been dividing his time between his Sandringham estate in Norfolk and London, where he is receiving qutreatment.

A new picture of the king and queen has been released to mark the anniversary of their coronation on 6 May. It was taken in the Buckingham Palace garden on 10 April, the day after the couple’s 19th wedding anniversary.

• King Charles III
• Queen Camilla

More on this story

King Charles speaks to cancer patients on first public engagement since diagnosis

Courtier demanded assurance king could not be prosecuted under new Welsh law

King Charles attends Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle

False King Charles death story spread by Russian media outlets

King Charles says messages and cards of support have left him in tears

Prince of Wales hires ex-diplomat to top team after king’s cancer diagnosis

A soft regency? The House of Windsor reckons with shortage of working royals

King Charles doing ‘extremely well’ after cancer diagnosis, Camilla says

‘He’s our top person, really’: King Charles’s cancer diagnosis and a tidal wave of royal purple prose

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Buckingham Palace promotes its strawberry preserve days after Meghan Markle releases line of jam

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Is Buckingham Palace shading Meghan Markle?

On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace Shop’s Instagram account shared a video promoting a royal strawberry preserve just days after the Duchess of Sussex unveiled her own jam line.

In the video accompanied by the soothing tones of Mozart, a woman’s hand is shown slathering the jam on a scone, a crumpet, a croissant, and on toast.

“Our Strawberry Preserve is made using only the finest berries and is delicious served in a variety of ways 🍓,” the caption read. The shop also asked followers to share how they enjoy their jam in the comments.

Some royal followers couldn’t help noticing the suspicious timing.

“Is it just me that loves the subtle shade?😆😎🤠🇬🇧,” wrote one fan while another commented: “Im dying at the timings of this ad😂😂😂😂.”

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Another made their allegiance clear, referencing the California area Markle and Prince Harry, 39, now live in with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“Buckingham Palace over Montecito any day,” noted the Instagram user.

Last March, Markle, 42, announced her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard , on social media.

An industry source told Page Six that the former working royal had been working on the project for “over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart — all the things she’s passionate about.”

A trademark application obtained by Page Six revealed American Riviera Orchard will sell a wide range of home goods including edible treats like jellies, jams and spreads as well as tableware staples such as cutlery, table linens and drinkware. Cookbooks are also covered in the filing.

It’s also set to shill makeup, haircare, fragrances and skincare.

Earlier this month, American Riviera Orchard debuted its first product: jars of fresh jam.

More must-see royals coverage:

• How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met
• Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timeline
• Royal family tree and line of succession

Friends of the Duchess took to social media to share photos of the jelly stamped with the company’s name and logo wrapped in a rustic cloth and a string bow.

Designer Tracy Robbins posted an Instagram Story snap of the jam inside a basket filled with lemons and thanked her pal for sending the gift.

“Thank you for the delicious basket!” Robbins wrote. “I absolutely love this jam so not sure i’m sharing with anyone :).”

A spokesperson for Markle did not reply to Page Six’s request for comment.

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Four injured as runaway Household Cavalry horses rampage through London

Household Cavalry horses rampaged through central London on Wednesday morning after being spooked by noisy construction work, leaving four people injured.

Five military horses from a group of seven bolted during an exercise in Belgravia , where builders were moving concrete rubble.

The horses charged through the streets , smashing into a double-decker tour bus and a Mercedes-Benz people carrier, and some galloped five miles through rush hour traffic to the east of the capital.

The animals threw their riders, Lifeguards and Blues and Royals servicemen, while they were leaving Hyde Park Barracks during preparations for rehearsals for the King’s birthday parade in June.

After the riders lost control , the horses bolted into Wilton Crescent and then into Belgrave Square, leaving hoof marks in the tarmac, before entering Buckingham Palace Road.

Outside London Victoria station, a soldier was thrown from his saddle to the ground. Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, said: “I saw a soldier falling down into the street after the horse ran into a car. The man hit the floor hard – he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car.”

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of 10 minutes. Three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.

Two of the horses, one covered in blood, then charged at pace through busy streets around Tower Bridge and the Strand for five miles until eventually being stopped in Limehouse.

Video footage taken by shocked onlookers showed commuters on e-scooters narrowly dodging being run over, a pedestrian falling on the pavement and many running to avoid the animals in scenes described as “total mayhem”.

All five of the horses, one of which was shown on video being calmed by members of the public, were later recovered and assessed by Army vets.

Lt Col Matt Woodward, Commanding Officer, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: “A small group of horses were spooked by construction work in a quiet side street in Belgravia, where building materials were dropped from height right next to them. The ensuing shock caused all horses to bolt and unseated some riders.”

Inspector Myles Hilbery, of City of London Police, said: “This was a dynamic incident, and the courageous actions taken by police officers from our roads policing team prevented further harm and distress to the horses and members of the public.

“Police Constables Lucy Hawes and Daniel McKeown risked their own safety to provide first aid to the injured and anxious horses. They kept the horses calm while waiting for a horse box and veterinary team to arrive.

“PCs Brett Daniels and Chris Wilson took over management of traffic control on the busy arterial road, enabling PCs Rob Bray and Shaun Gurney on motorbikes to create a clear path for the horses to be safely led into the horse box and escorted back to the Army barracks for urgent medical care. Our thoughts are with those people and horses injured in the incident.”

Live Reporting

Round-up of today’s events.

Hello, thank you for following our coverage of today’s events.

Here is a summary of what we know so far. 

• Five horses from the Household Cavalry bolted after throwing off their riders during their morning exercise in Belgravia when they were spooked by nearby builders moving rubble.
• Some of the horses collided with traffic and at least two of them suffered injuries.
• Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of only 10 minutes.
• All five horses were captured, two of which in Limehouse - five miles away from where the incident began.
• Three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.

White horse was ‘drenched in blood,’ says witness

A management consultant from London who saw two military horses bolt through the capital said it was “gruesome” and “like a weird dream”.

Tula, 28, from south London, was on the 172 bus to Aldwych when she saw two horses gallop past her and said members of the public looked “shocked” at the incident.

She told the PA news agency: “I got off the 172 bus which ends at Aldwych and two horses went flying past. One black, one white.

“The white one was drenched in blood from the chest down and they were galloping through the traffic at speed.

“People were stopping in the street shocked. The horses were running into fast-moving traffic and seemed terrified. Some unmarked police cars were chasing after them, which didn’t seem to be helping.

“I felt shocked. It was pretty gruesome. Felt like a weird dream.”

A group of seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry were on an extended exercise in Belgravia, central London, on Wednesday when chaos erupted.

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of just 10

BBC travel presenter contemplated throwing herself into the path of runaway horses

Bobbie Pryor, a travel presenter for BBC Radio Two, said she contemplated throwing herself in the path of two of the runaway horses

She recounted witnessing the horses charging through the street outside Charing Cross station as she was on her morning commute. 

She told Jeremy Vine’s lunchtime radio programme: “As I looked to the left I saw two horses coming towards me, I ran just to get across the road.

“It was coming at such a speed, I thought, I need to stop those horses, I need to stop those horses but they are huge and coming at speed. 

Asked by Jeremy Vine how she would have attempted to stop them, she replied: “I have been around horses before but normally you try and put yourself in the way, if it is safe to do so. 

“There was a clear road ahead and I was thinking if I don’t stop them they are going to go straight into those buses up there and that is really upsetting. 

“Also you can’t get in the way, in the fact at least they are running in a straight line, you have got people either side, you have got glass windows, you could create a worse situation. 

“At least if they run for a bit they may be able to run out of breath.” 

Photographer describes bloodied horse charging past him

A photographer has said he was surprised to see a bloodstained riderless white horse charge past him in central London on Wednesday morning.

Jordan Pettitt, 26, who works for the PA news agency, said: “There were two horses which came hurtling past.

The horse on the right, as I was looking towards it, was jet black and had a saddle on it. The one to the left, which also had a saddle, was a really distinct white colour.

“It had a really distinct red underbelly which we later found out was blood but it was so sharp and vivid that it seemed unlike blood as it was so saturated and rich.

“It was just two bright colours hurtling down this road and it went straight past me.

“It is probably the most unusual thing I have seen in central London so far. Seeing two riderless horses bolting down an empty A road in London is certainly unique and took me very much by surprise today.”

Eyewitness account of horse’s injuries

An eyewitness has described seeing one of the injured horses being restrained by police officers during her morning commute.

Megan Maurer told BBC Radio 2: “I saw three police officers or security guards running down the middle of Buckingham Palace Road, quite frantically, I would say. 

“I looked up and I saw a horse being led in the direction coming towards me and the horse was very bloody. The poor thing looked like it was in really rough shape there was blood all over its legs and on its head. 

“There looked like there was some form of injury on its head but it had been captured.” 

She added: “It was not completely incapacitated, it was walking but it was covered in blood, it was such a confusing sight to see, it looked like it had an injury above its right eye.” 

Four soldiers thrown off by their mounts, Telegraph understands

• The Telegraph understands that seven military working horses in total were on an exercise routine controlled by six riders. 
• Four riders were thrown off their horses when they became spooked, possibly by the sound of nearby building work. 
• Five horses escaped and ran out of control through London. 
• The two remaining riders were able to keep control of their mounts.  

Horses ploughed through row of bicycles

Henry Bodkin, reporting from the eastern corner of Belgrave Square, said an electricity box has been knocked over along with three hire bikes and one hire scooter.

There are lots of metallic looking scuffs on the pavement in the size and shape of horse shoes as well as plenty of horse dung.  

Witnesses describe ‘total mayhem’ on streets of London

Roland, a worker for tour bus company, Toot Bus, said the scene was “total mayhem”.

“I saw horses come from the bus station in front of Victoria run around in a frenzy,” he said.

“People were running around to avoid them - it was total mayhem.”

Horses may have been spooked by ‘builders moving concrete’

The runaway horses are believed to have been first spooked by the sound of nearby builders moving concrete, according to reports. 

The BBC said work being carried out by builders in Belgravia caused the horses from the Household Cavalry to bolt and unseat their riders while exercising this morning.

Taxi driver feared for passengers after narrowly avoiding crash

A taxi driver said he worried for his passengers when the horses narrowly avoided hitting his cab.

Black cab driver Robbie told BBC Radio London: “I was just outside Buckingham Palace on the Mall and heard loads of galloping and looked behind and there were about three or four horses.

 “Two of them were sprinting up towards Trafalgar Square and there was a white one covered in blood as well.

“I looked in the rear mirror and saw them coming right up behind me, and at the time I had two punters in the back so I was worried about them,” he added.

“Luckily they swerved towards the middle of the road and carried on, but they were going at some speed.”

Ambulance service received three phone calls about runaway horses

The London Ambulance Service has said it received three horse-related calls.

The first was at 8.25am about a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road.

The patient was taken to hospital.

Two minutes later medics were called to nearby Belgrave Square and found two people injured by horses and took them to hospital.

A further call was made at 8.35am at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street and a fourth person was taken to hospital

White horse bloodied from smashing into Mercedes, says driver

The owner of a silver Mercedes-Benz people carrier has said one of the horses cut itself when it smashed into the car’s windscreen. 

Faraz, who was picking up a client outside the Clermont Hotel by Victoria Station, told LBC that a white horse was injured from the impact. 

Photos of the car show droplets of blood across its side door. 

He told LBC: “I was just sitting by the car with my passenger.. I didn’t see the horse hit my car, I was like, smashed senseless, the people just came by my car to check ‘are you ok’. 

“It was just like a smash, his head hit it very hard and then [went] down. I saw about three, four horses, and I think it was the white horse which hit my car.”

NEW Faraz is the owner of the Mercedes people carrier, his car windows were smashed He was waiting to pick up a client at the Clermont Hotel by Victoria Station, when he was jolted by the horses running into his car @LBC pic.twitter.com/rVphIZmSBM — Henry Riley (@HenryRiley1) April 24, 2024

More pictures from our photographer

All five horses recovered

One horse was captured near Limehouse, east London, at least five miles from Hyde Park Barracks where the incident began.

“A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.  “A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.” Army spokesman

“We’re pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army.” Westminster Police 

Hero who calmed injured horse

What we know about injuries

Four people have been injured in three separate locations across central London.

One soldier was heard ‘screaming in pain’ after he was thrown from his horse outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria.

Another man was seen lying on the pavement in Fleet Street after two horses were pictured galloping down the road.

Two horses caught

City of London Police said two of the escaped horses have been contained.

The force said officers were waiting for an Army horse box to collect the animals and take them to a vet.

“At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had become loose and were travelling through the City. Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse. “We’re waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care.” City of London Police 

What we know so far

• Five Household Cavalry horses bolted during exercises on Horse Guards Parade this morning
• Four people have been injured in three separate locations in central London
• One soldier was thrown from his horse outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria
• One horse was filmed near Tower Bridge with blood on its neck, chest and legs
• All horses have been recovered - two were caught by police near Limehouse, east London

What is the Household Cavalry?

The Household Cavalry is made up of the two most senior units in the British army: The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals.

The Regiment is divided between the operational unit, equipped with armoured vehicles, and the ceremonial mounted unit, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, garrisoned at Hyde Park Barracks in London.

All members of the Household Cavalry are taught to ride as they will rotate between the operational and ceremonial units throughout their careers. 

The Mounted Regiment is often seen in public performing ceremonial duties on State and Royal occasions. 

Duties include the provision of a Sovereign’s Escort, most commonly seen on The King’s Birthday Parade (better known as ‘Trooping the Colour’) which takes place in June each year. 

The Mounted Regiment will also take part in other occasions including state visits by visiting heads of state, royal weddings and coronations. 

Whilst every soldier will have been taught to ride, the uniforms worn even when exercising the horses can be heavy and restrictive making control of the horse challenging for less experienced riders.

Horse ran into tour bus

Big Bus Tours has confirmed that a horse ran into one of its parked buses. The company said none of its staff were injured.

“We confirm that one of our stationary buses sustained damage this morning during an incident involving horses from the Household Cavalry. One of the horses ran into the front of our parked vehicle.  “Fortunately, none of our team members were injured. Our primary concern lies with the welfare of the riders and animals involved in the incident.  “We are currently coordinating closely with Emergency Services to assist in any way possible. At this stage, we have no further comments to provide.” Big Bus Tours 

The horse that collided with the bus was calmed by pedestrians who petted its nose and led it away from the road.

Tyne Marie, 19, who works for Big Bus Tours, said: “It completely smashed the windscreen while the driver was inside. 

“He was not injured but he was very shocked. Apparently they lost control of the horses in Knightsbridge.”

London Ambulance Service statement

“We were called at 8:25am today (April 24) to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W. “We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, and an incident response officer. “Our first paramedic was on the scene in five minutes. “The incident is still ongoing and we are working with our emergency services partners.”

Horse ‘bleeding over its chest’

Csilla, an employee at a coffee shop in central London’s Strand, witnessed the horses running down Fleet Street, in the direction of St Paul’s Cathedral.

“I saw a white horse running, he was bleeding all over his chest,” she said.

“A few moments later I saw another horse - a black one - running after him. And then a police car went down the road after them.”

Csilla said the horses were running near the pavement and pedestrians were forced to jump out of the way to avoid injury.

Mapped: Where horses were seen

Watch: horses running at speed through london, met police statement.

“We are aware of a number of horses that are currently loose in central London and are working with colleagues, including the Army, to locate them.”

Watch: Bloodied horse spotted

Pictured: horses in the victoria area.

Pictured: Horses in the Aldwych area

Witness ‘saw soldier falling down into the street’

A witness to the incident on Buckingham Palace Road said a horse bolted across the street into a parked car before galloping away. Bystanders screamed and ran as the animal raced towards them, witnesses claimed.

Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, said: “I saw a soldier falling down into the street after the horse ran into a car. One of my colleagues called the police.

“The man hit the floor hard, he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car.

“The horses come down this route every day, but today the horse looked stressed or panicked. I saw the horse run away after it hit a bus. People were screaming and running all over.”

Mr Aden, who lives in Canary Wharf, east London, added: “The injuries looked very serious he looked really hurt.”

Buckingham Palace Road closed - serviceman treated

Pictures show a soldier lying in the street receiving treatment outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria.

Buckingham Palace Road was closed following the incident with a cordon erected at the scene.

A blue tarpaulin tent was erected while ambulance workers attended to the injured serviceman.

A black horse was seen close to the incident in Victoria, and a silver Mercedes-Benz people carrier had suffered severe damage to its side panel with two of its rear windows smashed.

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Why Kate Middleton and Prince William's Marriage Is More Relatable Than Ever

Kate middleton and prince william are celebrating 13 years of marriage in an unprecedented time for the whole royal family as the princess undergoes treatment following a cancer diagnosis..

Tuning in from all around the world, more than 160 million people watched Kate Middleton  and Prince William   get married in 2011 .

From the bride's exquisite Sarah Burton gown and Cartier "halo" tiara to the newlyweds' kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, the future looked rosy for the whole royal family , scandals of years past finally behind them as this young generation seized the spotlight.

In recent months, that outlook has taken on a grayish cast as Kate and her father-in-law King Charles III  deal with respective cancer diagnoses. And the unprecedented collision of health crises only added to preexisting concern about the overall well-being of the monarchy that the institution hasn't been able to shake since Queen Elizabeth II 's death in 2022.

None of which means that there aren't still rosy times ahead. But as Kate and William mark their 13th wedding anniversary on April 29, their life together has taken on an unmistakable whiff of relatability, in that they're just trying to keep it all together for Prince George , 10, Princess Charlotte , 8, and Prince Louis , 6, and come out the other side as whole as possible.

Almost like normal people, a descriptor that generally doesn't apply to the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Not that there's anything normal about the thick layer of scrutiny they've been operating under. Kensington Palace's initial explanation back in January that Kate would be taking a few months off from official duties while recovering from abdominal surgery was ultimately not nearly enough information to satisfy an increasingly curious global audience.

So when Kate informed the world in a March 22 video message that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after doctors found cancer had been present when they operated, it was a humbling moment for those banking on a more salacious explanation for her absence. Not to mention, it was a reminder that, when an extremely public person whose main job is to be seen asks for health-related privacy, she has her reasons.

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William, meanwhile, had already pressed pause on his own schedule earlier in the year after Kate's surgery and his father's treatment for an enlarged prostate. But after Charles shared Feb. 5 that he'd been diagnosed with cancer , the heir to the throne knew he had to get back to work as soon as possible as the youngest and most popular senior royal still in commission. (According to the latest YouGov poll from the first quarter of 2024, he trails only his wife and, still at No. 1, the late queen.) 

"They are very good at keeping calm and carrying on, no matter what's going on behind closed doors," royals correspondent Sharon Carpenter  told E! News after Charles' announcement. "We continually see this commitment to duty no matter what."

At the same time, she added, "We look at them oftentimes as made of steel and just nothing affects them, they aren't led by their emotions and they never seem to be ill, they're not real people. Knowing they're just like us is a really good way to encourage others to be on top of their own health."

Kate noted in her video, filmed in the garden at Windsor Castle, that it had taken time both for her to recover from "major surgery" and for her and William to best explain her situation to George, Charlotte and Louis "in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK."

She added, "Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance. I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal."

Composed and sanguine as she may have been, and though she did not share any other particulars about her condition, by historic royal standards that was practically  Billie Eilish 's latest  Rolling Stone  interview .

"I would hope that many of the people that've peddled these conspiracy theories, which have ranged from her being in a coma to having botched cosmetic surgery, might just take a break from the keyboard," NBC News royals contributor Katie Nicholl  told anchor Lester Holt afterward. "As a family, they've obviously been going through a huge amount."

Noting the implied plea for privacy in the princess' message, Nicholl said that Kate shares information "in her time, on her terms, and what comes first for her isn't the public trying to find out what's happened here. It's about protecting her family."

The Wales fam skipped the March 31 Easter service at St. George's Chapel, while Charles—who's been conducting business at Buckingham Palace since February and is due to resume public-facing duties April 30 —did attend with Queen Camilla .

William's hiatus from official engagements continued while George, Charlotte and Louis were on their spring break. He returned to work April 18 , accepting cards on his father and Kate's behalf during his visit to Surplus to Supper in Surrey, which combats food waste and the the scourge of hunger due to poverty.

When a volunteer entreated him to look after his wife, William assured her , "I will, thank you very much." 

Kate, who's attended to some duties from home , said in her video that her work has always brought her "a deep sense of joy" and she was looking forward to getting back out there as soon as she was able.

But leading up to Louis' sixth birthday on April 23 , the question arose whether the royals would post Kate's latest portrait of her youngest child on social media, as they've done every year—or whether they had soured on sharing for a while after photo and news agencies flagged their March 10  U.K. Mother's Day snap of Kate and the kids as too "manipulated" to distribute .

Kate and William  did eventually share the reliably adorable new photo , but they posted it a few hours later than usual. Which left more than enough time for stories about royal fans' disappointment at the family's so-called silence to spread, though they were dutifully followed by stories of fans' delight . 

But for the most part, in keeping with how the couple have handled most of the outside hysteria—while addressing it at all is unusual, they've still been relatively unreactive compared to how some celebrities deal with vicious rumors—they stayed the course.

"Their forthcoming anniversary is a testament to not only their love, but also their unity," royal biographer Robert Jobson , who has a new book about Kate coming out in July, told HELLO! . "I'm sure they'll acknowledge their journey, knowing that their strength lies in being together. The ups and downs they have weathered together have cemented their bond, which is now unshakeable."

He continued, "Catherine has done her best to stick to a routine for the sake of the children. She and William know the importance of taking each day as it comes. It was a huge blow when they first learned of the diagnosis, but they are both mentally strong. Without doubt, it has brought the couple even closer together."

In honor of their 13 years of marriage—and two decades as a couple —keep reading to see Kate and William's sweetest moments:

Blush and Bashful

Sometimes the date night dress code calls for tiaras and tails, as it did at this Dec. 5, 2023, reception at Buckingham Palace for the Diplomatic Corps.

They Still Got Game

Kate and William leaned in courtside when they attended a Nov. 30, 2022, Boston Celtics game during a trip to the U.S.

Jingle Bell Royals

Still making Kate smile after all of these years, perhaps William started singing early as they headed into the "Together at Christmas" Community Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in 2021.

Monarch Approved

Queen Elizabeth II joined her grandson and his wife of then-10 years for a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019.

The longtime loves shared a toast and a beer after attending the St. Patrick's Day parade in Hounslow in March.

While visiting Northern Ireland in February, the duo got their hands dirty during a soccer match.

During their Northern Ireland trip, the Duchess of Cambridge poured herself a pint before her hubby enjoyed a glass.

Prince William couldn't keep his eyes off of Kate while celebrating the 100th year of the Royal Air Force in England in July 2018.

On April 23, 2018 the future King of England and his stunning wife welcomed their third child, Prince Louis , into the world and of course they looked perfect posing for the cameras.

The royal couple bundled up on their winter trip to Norway in 2018 and looked adorable side by side.

The athletic duo cheered on the tennis players at Wimbledon in 2017 and they seemed to have a blast doing so.

Prince William looked on in amazement as his wife played with a bow and arrow while on their trip to Bhutan in 2016.

Ugh, could these two be any cuter?!

The happy couple waved to fans in May 2015 after welcoming their second child, Princess Charlotte,  at the famed Lido Wing of St. Mary's Hospital on May 2.

When the Cambridge crew was just a family of three they had a blast visiting Australia on their royal tour.

As you can see, the lovebirds are always up for a wild outdoor activity in between performing their royal duties.

The proud new parents posed for the cameras outside of St. Mary's Hospital after welcoming their first child, Prince George , into the world on July 22, 2013.

The couple visited the Emirates Arena, the future venue of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, in Scotland in 2013 and they were perfectly in sync while walking around.

Princess Kate looked to her hubby for warmth as the two attend the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in March 2013.

The married couple waved to onlookers as they attended the wedding of Mark Tomlinson and Laura Bechtolsheimer in Switzerland.

Even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge get nervous when watching the Olympics...but at least they have each other.

The royal duo shared a laugh while watching the cycling events at the Velodrome during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The two arrived at the Honiara International Airport in a special boat—talk about the royal treatment—before exploring Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands as a part of their 2012 tour.

A couple who eats together, stays together! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended an official dinner hosted by Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam, Shah of Kedah while on their Diamond Jubilee Tour of South East Asia in fall 2012.

The royal couple was red carpet ready as they arrived together for the 2012 celebration of the British Olympic Team GB at Royal Albert Hall.

Kate gave her royal hubby a smooch after his team won a tournament round at an event for the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry in July 2011.

The couple shared a sweet kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding on Friday, April 29, 2011 and it was magical.

The Royal Wedding was pure bliss and the newlyweds couldn't contain their happiness as they left the church as husband and wife.

Prince William looked lovingly at his wife as they attended Harry Meade  and Rosie Bradford's wedding in October 2010 and, aww.

The royal couple was all smiles on their graduation from the University of St. Andrews back in June 2005.

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