At the end of the summer, on a sunny day in August, I checked one point on my wish list: visiting Buckingham Palace. Sally, one of my local friends, booked two tickets for £60 for the two of us (each £30). She has experience visiting this palace several times and accompanied me there so I could explore every inch of the premises.
In the evening of the earlier night, I asked Sally, “Is there a dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace?” She gave a vague answer to the question: a “yes” and a “no.” I needed an explanation to have a clear idea, and she explained. Then, on the next day’s visit, I also learned more about dress code issues by observing others. Also, what time do the guards change at Buckingham Palace?
Here, I explain the dress code facts in detail.
Visitors to Buckingham Palace
At the very outset, you must understand that this royal place is the central residence of the Royal family. They live in it, and numerous royal events occur there. Following this, there are two types of visitors. Besides, get invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Visitors Attending Events or Meeting the Royals
So, one type of visitor in the royal palace is the people invited to join an event or ceremony. The visitors receive an official invitation to join those events or ceremonies. In this case, the invitation letter usually mentions the dress code. Plus, does the London Underground run all night?
It happens if the occasion is a very special one. For instance, the dress code of a simple dinner party with a junior family member is not like that of a dinner party in the queen’s presence. Is the London water safe to drink?
Tourists
Now, let’s talk about the second type of visitors, the common people like us. We do not have permission to visit the whole palace. We can only see the State Apartments, Queen’s Garden, and Queen’s Artwork collection.
Commoners like me can visit these parts of the palace during summer, i.e., July to September. The typical admission schedule is Mondays to Thursdays, between 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM. Sally said it was essential to enter earlier as exploring the Queen’s Royal Garden takes time. It takes walking for nearly 2 km. How much is a bus fare in London?
Critical Review: Is There a Dress Code for Visiting Buckingham Palace
Well, now you know that there are two types of visitors. Here, I elaborate on the dress code for these two groups.
Dress Code for Officially Invited Visitors
As mentioned earlier, the invitation card usually mentions the dress code matching the event’s appropriateness. Sally told me those special guests would start preparing certain attires very early, just after receiving the invitation. It is actually a great honour to attend a royal occasion. Learn the dress code for the Buckingham Palace garden party.
In general, the dress code for men is smart-casual clothing. The most appropriate clothes are:
- A black suit.
- A tie with sophisticated printing.
- Shiny shoes match the trouser colour.
For women, any smart day dress works best. A lady can also wear a trouser; for the top, she can wear a cardigan or jacket. In this case, the woman cannot wear a collared shirt or chinos with a blazer. It’s advisable to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, midriff, and knees. Besides, how long does the London Eye take?
Dress Code for General Visitors
For general visitors like me, there is no certain dress code. But I want to remind you that you are visiting England’s most revered and dignified premises. If you are planning to visit the palace, I suggest you do not wear shorts, three-quarters, half sleeves, etc. Do not wear short skirts or revealing clothes if you are a girl.
Modesty Works: Try your best to wear the most modest and conservative clothes. I saw almost every man wearing a suit, casual pants, a shirt, etc. The ladies were wearing long skirts, trousers, shirts, etc. Both genders must avoid flip-flops and athletic wear as well.
As per my observation, if you wear the clothes as same you wear while travelling, you will find yourself in an awkward situation. You will feel like an alien. Also, if a man goes shirtless and a woman wears a skimpy skirt or too revealing clothes, the guards might not grant entry permission.
One more thing, I must inform you: it is about the shoe. After listening to Sally, I wore my best shoes on the next day’s visit. But just after half an hour’s walk in the garden, the pain was killing me. I suggest you wear comfortable shoes as you have to walk in the garden for 1.5 kilometres. Moreover, what time does the London Tube close?
Final Words
So, is there a dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace? I hope my elaboration will help you on your next visit to this Royal premises. Just go for a neat, clean, and well-presented attire.
However, as a visitor, wearing a pair of jeans, a casual shirt, and a comfortable pair of shoes will be highly comfortable and appropriate.
