Buckingham Palace

London’s Buckingham Palace is currently the official residence of the British monarchs. At the same time, it is the largest royal study in the world, also serving as a space for important state events or for the royal family’s public appearances. Buckingham Palace is also a popular tourist destination.

The history of the palace dates back to 1633, when it was called the current owner Goring House. In the early 18th century, the original building was rebuilt at the request of John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normanby, who held high positions in the royal court and was heavily involved in government. However, the residence did not belong to the old family, in early 1762 it was purchased by King George III. and has been used by the British royal family ever since.

Buckingham Palace’s current form began to take shape during the reconstruction that began in 1826, when the fittings of lavish interiors also began, which was the target of press criticism at the time. Further construction modifications were applied during the reign of Queen Victoria, when the comforts of life were made more pleasant. It is said that at that time it was not even possible to heat the much neglected palace – the chimneys were clogged, the fireplaces and stoves stank. Ventilation doesn’t work either. Lack of heating and ventilation makes the whole building cold and smelly. Fortunately, this was repaired in 1840, and not only a comfortable life was created, but also, for example, the famous balcony, from which members of the British royal family still come out and greet people. Buckingham Palace has been the official royal residence since the early 20th century. However, the building does not belong to the British royal family, but belongs to the state.

Kensington Palace

London is also home to another royal residence, Kensington Palace. Today it is the residence of the heir to the throne, Prince William and his family. The building was built in the 17th century for the politician and lawyer Sir Heneage Finch. In 1689, the building became the property of William of Orange, then king of England, who also died here in 1702 from a fall from his horse. His wife also spent the last days of her life at Kensington Palace – in late 1694, she died of smallpox here at the age of 32. In 1819, Queen Victoria was born in the palace, she was also christened here, in the lavish dome-shaped hall, which was built in 1722 and still dominates the entire building.

Windsor

The royal residence of Windsor is located in the county of Berkshire, near London. After Prague Castle, it is the second largest inhabited castle complex in the world.

Windsor Castle has a very long and interesting history. It was already made in the 11th century, circa 1070, for the then king William I the Conqueror. His son Henry I of England made this castle the official royal residence. In the 13th century, Henry III began rebuilding it. Plantagenet and Edward III continued it a century later. During the English Civil War, the palace was seized by Parliament and King Charles I. Stuart was imprisoned here. After the restoration of the monarchy, Charles II returned to Windsor. Stuart, who gave it a baroque form. In the 18th century, the building slowly began to fall into disrepair, which was followed by Rococo-style structural modifications.

In modern times, the castle was occupied by the British royal family during the Second World War, when it provided them with refuge during the bombing of London. These days, Windsor is more of a residence and occasional place for relaxation or important private events. Members of the royal family celebrate their birthdays here, in 2005 Prince Charles and Camilla Parker’s wedding ceremony took place here. The castle was the last residence of Prince Philip, Elizabeth II’s husband, who died here. In the castle chapel of St. George is traditionally awarded a very prestigious British award – the Order of the Garter. The chapel is also the final resting place of the kings of England.