Historical version 1 of Buckingham Palace (view current version)
Buckingham Palace is the world-famous primary residence of the royal family. [Queen Elizabeth II]? has been resident here since her coronation in 1952, although she has other residences including [Windsor Castle]?, Sandringham and Balmoral.
The Palace is situated between St James's and Westminster, at the junction of [Green Park]? and [St James's Park]?, and where Constitution Hill and The Mall meet.
Buckingham Palace did not become the monarch's residence until 1837, when Queen Victoria made it her home. It was originally built as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was bought by George III in 1762 for the royal family, and George IV enlisted John Nash to build a new palace around Buckingham House. Nash designed the palace with Marble Arch at its entrance; the arch was moved later to the Cumberland Gate of Hyde Park.
The Palace is opened to the public in August and September.
Road traffic may pass the palace Mondays to Saturdays via the [Queen Victoria Memorial]? which stands outside the palace gates.