Buckingham Palace: An Overview

Introduction

• Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and a symbol of British history and culture.
• The palace is valued at approximately $5 billion.

History of Buckingham Palace

• Originally a marshy land along the River Tyne, owned by various nobles and monks.
• In 1703, John Sheffield, the first Duke of Buckingham, built a townhouse that became known as Buckingham House.
• King George III bought Buckingham House in 1761, renaming it the Queen's House.
• King George IV transformed it into a grand palace; Queen Victoria was the first to use it as her official residence in 1837.
• The palace has 775 rooms, including:
  • 19 state rooms
  • 52 Royal and guest bedrooms
  • 188 staff bedrooms
  • 78 bathrooms
  • 92 offices
• Features: ballroom, chapel, cinema, swimming pool, and post office.
• The garden is the largest private garden in London.

Secrets and Treasures of Buckingham Palace

The Two Penny Blue Mauritius Stamp

• One of the rarest postage stamps in the world, issued in 1847.
• Part of the royal philatelic collection; valued at around £2 million.
• Only 26 specimens exist today.

The Mosaic Fabergé Egg

• Created in 1914, commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II.
• Contains a surprise inside and is made of platinum and gold, decorated with precious stones.
• Has a rich history, passed down to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen’s Art Collection

• The largest privately owned art collection in the world, estimated at around $10 billion.
• Contains 1 million objects, including:
  • 7,000 paintings
  • 150,000 works on paper
  • 450,000 photographs
  • 700,000 other art pieces.

The Queen’s Jewelry Collection

• Includes iconic pieces like the Imperial State Crown, valued between £3 billion and £5 billion.
• Total of over 300 exquisite items, including tiaras, brooches, and necklaces.

Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress

• An influential garment symbolizing purity and modesty.
• Worn during her wedding in 1840, now preserved in the royal collection.

Erley Norton’s Astronomical Clock

• A marvel of horology from the 18th century.
• Displays various celestial phenomena and timekeeping features.

Royal Handbags

• Queen Elizabeth II had over 400,000 worth of handbags, notably the Lauer London bags.
• Used as tools for communication at events.

The Royal Garden

• Covers 16 hectares, home to rare plants and wildlife.
• Hosts official events like garden parties.

Chandeliers

• Buckingham Palace has around 800 chandeliers, reflecting different styles throughout history.
• Estimated worth in the millions, requiring regular maintenance.

Queen Victoria’s Gold Piano

• Unique piano made for Queen Victoria in 1856, valued at approximately £138,000.
• Features unique artistry with royal significance.

Royal Corgis

• Corgis were a significant part of Queen Elizabeth II's life.
• Symbolized the British monarchy, with a special place in royal residences.

Conclusion

• Buckingham Palace is not only a residence but a treasure trove of history, art, and royal legacy.