Uncover shocking Buckingham Palace facts

Buckingham Palace stands as both the palace and the official London residence of the British Monarch.

Right at the heart of Westminster, the palace serves as more than just the residence for the monarchs, it is also the administrative hub. From hosting lavish banquets to marking historic events, the Palace remains a symbol of tradition and prestige.

Built around 1705, for John Sheffield, duke of Buckingham, the residence later caught the eye of King George III. He bought it as a gift for his wife, Queen Charlotte in 1762 and it soon became known as the queen’s house.

Acting on George IV’s orders, renowned architect John Nash began turning the Queen’s House into the grand palace we know today.

The Palace holds a lot of history. Here are some shocking facts about the palace you may not know:

Went over budget

Tasked with elevating Buckingham House into a royal masterpiece John Nash poured his ambition into reshaping it into the regal Palace we know today.

Unfortunately, his extraordinary vision came at a price and his lavish plans went over budget, which led him to be dismissed from the position.

In his grand design, John transformed Buckingham House into the Palace’s most majestic form, adding new east wings and even a stunning triumphal arch meant for regal processions.

The arch was later moved and is known as Marble Arch.

After John had lost his position, there was still more work left. A new architect, Edward Blore, took his place and finished the remaining work on the palace. 

Royals refused to evacuate the Palace during WWII

The second World War brought heavy bombing and air raids to London. Buckingham Palace, standing as a beacon of British heritage, got caught in the crosshairs.

Even with constant warnings to flee and evacuate for their safety, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stood their ground and refused to abandon their post.

They chose to remain at the Palace, which over the course of the war was struck by bombs nine times. 

700 rooms

Over many years, Buckingham Palace has welcomed thousands of guests, and with a staggering 775 rooms, it's practically built for a crowd.

These include 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and 19 state rooms.

Art Collection

Within the Palace lies one of the finest art collections in the world, packed with paintings, sculptures and priceless objects.

Among its most famous works are masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Canaletto.

Palace security tested as fan breaks in three times

Young Edward Jones took his fascination with the Royals to daring heights, managing to break into the Palace on three different occasions. 

Simple trick to know if the King is home

The flag of Buckingham Palace tells a story. Look up at the flagpole: if you see the Royal standard flag it means the King is home.

But when the union flag is flying, it’s a sign that he is away, perhaps on duty or for any other reason.