July 9th 2024.
For the first time ever, the east wing of Buckingham Palace will be welcoming visitors through its doors. This is a rare opportunity for tourists and royal enthusiasts alike to see inside the palace's famous centre room, where the royal family gathers before appearing on the balcony. The opening of the east wing comes after more than five years of improvements, including updates to electrical cabling, plumbing, and heating that cost a whopping £369 million.
This limited-time tour is a unique chance to step back in time and explore the history and grandeur of the east wing. But don't wait too long, as the tours are only available until the end of August. So hurry and grab your tickets before they're all gone!
So, what exactly can you expect to see in the east wing of Buckingham Palace? This section of the palace was originally built between 1847-1849 to accommodate Queen Victoria's growing family. When she moved in, just days after her uncle William IV's death, it was the first time the east wing had ever been used as the main residence for a monarch. The main rooms in this wing boast a Chinese-inspired theme and are filled with some of the most exquisite items from the Royal Collection.
As you make your way through the east wing, you will come across the stunning yellow drawing room and the principal corridor, which is lined with paintings by renowned artists like Thomas Gainsborough. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the centre room, where you can admire the intricate lotus-shaped chandelier that has recently been given a touch-up. This room is also where the royal family gathers before stepping out onto the balcony to greet the crowds during major events like Trooping the Colour.
Speaking of the balcony, while visitors won't be able to step out onto it themselves, they will still get a chance to see it up close and personal from the centre room. This is also where you can learn about the balcony's significance and its role in the history of the royal family.
Fun fact: Did you know that Buckingham Palace has a massive 775 rooms? This includes 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The east wing alone has some of the most impressive and historically rich rooms, making it a must-see for any visitor.
The east wing of Buckingham Palace is not only a symbol of grandeur but also of British history. The palace stands on the site where King James I once planted a mulberry garden in an attempt to rear silkworms. However, due to the wrong type of mulberry bush being chosen, silk production never took off in Britain. The house that stood there, originally known as Buckingham House, was expanded and transformed over several centuries into the iconic palace it is today.
Unfortunately, tickets for the east wing highlights tour have already sold out since they first went on sale on April 9. These tours, which cost £75 per adult, will run daily from July 15 to August 31. So if you were hoping to book tickets, you may have to wait for the next opportunity. But don't worry, there are still plenty of other ways to explore and experience the magic of Buckingham Palace. So be sure to visit The Agency's London news hub for the latest updates on the capital.
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