About 400,000 people are expected to tramp up the palace's balustraded staircases and opulent state rooms during its July 25 to September 27 opening.
They don't get to stay the night, of course, but they do get a fascinating look around one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.
This year, for the first time since the palace opened to the public in 1993, visitors get to enter the palace's state rooms through the "Grand Entrance" used by heads of state and prime ministers invited by the Queen.
There's also a display detailing what goes on behind the scenes to create the pomp for official state visits, including dresses worn, menu ingredients and the porcelain guests get to use.
Make sure to keep an eye out for special items on display.
The State Rooms
There are 775 rooms in Buckingham Palace including the 19 State Rooms and 78 bathrooms. The State Rooms are a suite of lavishly decorated public rooms in Buckingham Palace where the monarch receives, rewards and entertains her subjects and visiting dignitaries. Several of these rooms were used for the Royal Wedding reception for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton). When you take a Summer Opening tour, it's the State Rooms that you'll see. These rooms are awash with sparkling candelabra, marble columns, sumptuous carpets, damask wallpaper, fine furniture, sculpture and works of art.
The Grand Staircase
Buckingham Palace's grand staircase is a highlight of the tour. The magnificent bronze staircase was designed by the architect John Nash as part of his commission to remodel the palace for King George IV from 1825 to 1830. The impressive double balustrade features an intricate pattern of acanthus, oak and laurel leaves and represents some of the world's finest bronze casting work. The stairs are lit by an etched glass dome in the ceiling.
Fine Art
Some big names are on show at the palace. On your tour, you'll come across paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude as well as sculpture by Canovaand Chantrey. The paintings in the State Rooms also include some wonderful portraits of past and present royals including Queen Victoria, George III and Queen Charlotte, William IV and his wife Queen Adelaide and, of course, the current Royal Family.
Audio Tour with Prince Charles
As part of your Buckingham Palace tour, you'll get a free audio guide to the palace. The tour is introduced by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and takes you through all 19 State Rooms as well as the annual special exhibition. Audio guides are available in many different languages.
The Throne Room
Buckingham Palace's majestic Throne Room is a favorite with visitors. It contains the thrones that are used for investitures and ceremonial receptions such as at The Queen's Jubilees and has also doubled as a ballroom on occasion. You may recognize the Throne Room as the backdrop for some famous royal wedding photos including Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
Every year, Buckingham Palace's summer opening features a special exhibition. This limited edition exhibition can only be seen during that year's summer opening. This year's special exhibition, A Royal Welcome, focuses on the magic and magnificence of an official visit to Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace Tour Tickets
The summer opening of Buckingham Palace is extremely popular so booking tickets in advance is recommended. Entry is timed.
Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or visit us at rawhidetravel.com
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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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