It glitters under the strokes of the sun, which seem milder as they fall on the glitzy palace and as twilight settles in, the edifice gains extra magnificence with the banner of stars above. The iconic residence of the British Monarch is the foremost landmark and pride of those in the City of Westminster and London as its gilt edged design and 18th century architecture ooze of charm and elegance.
King George III acquired the building in the early years of the 18th century, during which time it was known as the “Buckingham House’; this was the shelter in which his wife Queen Charlotte gave birth to 14 of their children. It was converted to a palace in the 19th century by the world renowned architects, John Nash and Edward Blore.
The interior is replete with all the chambers, antechambers and suites required for a palace. The Music Room is at the centre of all the state rooms, the fifty five yard Picture Gallery spreads from the suites to the state rooms and houses some prized work of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. The Guard Room is where ceremonial parades begin and the Throne Room contains marble statues of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. The antechamber of the Throne Room is referred to as the Green Drawing Room and is the passage taken by the royal family at official functions when they need to reach the adjacent hall.
The beautiful structure which was developed into a castle sits on a sprawling ground of evergreens. At the rear of the palace is a forty acre piece of garden, a tennis court, a lake and a helipad. The stream’s gurgles are the backdrop for all the garden parties hosted by the Queen and the royal family.
All these and more are open for public viewing during the summer months. Hence, if you are looking for a luxury hotel London for accommodation during the summer, do not forget to arrange a trip to the Buckingham Palace as well. Many aLondon boutique hotel is a fitting tribute to the finesse of the neighbouring mansion, as is the case with The Halkin London.