The Dream Palace of the British Royal Family—Buckingham Palace

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The globally watched British royal wedding of the century saw Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton hold their ceremony at Westminster Abbey before returning to Buckingham Palace (Buckingham Palace) to receive blessings from the public. Their two heartfelt kisses on the balcony brought the event to a thrilling climax, drawing continuous cheers from the spectators.

Buckingham Palace is an iconic landmark in London and a must-visit attraction for tourists. When you visit Buckingham Palace, how can you tell if the Queen is there? It’s simple—just look up at the top of the palace’s main gate. If the royal flag is flying, it means the Queen is inside; if not, she is away.

Built in 1703, Buckingham Palace was originally known as Buckingham House, the private residence of the Duke of Buckingham. In 1837, Queen Victoria moved in, and since then, Buckingham Palace has served as the residence of the British royal family, combining both office and living functions. It was extensively redesigned at great expense by the famous architect John Nash. The royal family residing here includes Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, along with about 50 royal staff members.

Buckingham Palace was not originally open to the public. However, after Windsor Castle suffered a devastating fire in November 1992, the palace finally opened its doors to help raise funds for the castle’s restoration through ticket sales. Currently, the open areas of Buckingham Palace include the Throne Room, the Music Room, and the State Dining Room, among others. Tickets are often in high demand, so it’s best to apply for reservations by phone in advance.

The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony in the morning is a highlight of any trip to London. The Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace—guards wearing black bearskin hats and deep red and black uniforms—has almost become one of the traditional symbols of Britain. To watch the ceremony, it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot near the State Dining Room where the ceremony takes place. If you’re late, you can also go to St. James’s Palace on The Mall to wait for the guards preparing to depart.

The globally broadcast royal wedding of Prince William took place at Westminster Abbey. Almost all major formal occasions of the British royal family are held here, including the most important ones such as the coronation of the monarch. Since 1066, with only two exceptions, all kings and queens of England have been crowned here, and most have also been laid to rest here. Westminster Abbey faithfully records every rise and fall in the history of the British royal family.

Westminster Abbey houses many royal tombs, some of which are extraordinarily ornate. The sheer number of tombs in such a confined space creates an eerie and solemn atmosphere. Those who may find this overwhelming can, after viewing England’s tallest nave, head to the Chapter House to admire the famous 13th-century floor tiles. This also allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the abbey’s blend of opulence and simplicity in a quieter setting. Westminster Abbey’s famous Poets’ Corner features memorials and artifacts dedicated to literary greats, including three of the greatest poets: Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, and John Milton.