I have been fascinated by Buckingham Palace and its residents from my childhood. I know almost every kid is curious about this iconic historical place. The curiosity spurs from its being the residence of the royal family.
But its intertwining relation with England’s history makes the Palace even more interesting. Here, I show some Buckingham Palace facts for kids. My experience can familiarize them with this iconic establishment by informing its historical importance for the British nation.
Basic Information of Buckingham Palace
Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the primary London residence for Britain’s royal family. Queen Elizabeth II made it her official building as well. The former Queen spent years in this establishment of her lifetime.
However, this iconic Palace isn’t just a royal home. It is a hub for significant gatherings, essential meetings, and grand receptions. The elites, top-level politicians, top business people, etc., come to the Palace for official reasons or to attend royal occasions. The royalties meet foreign delegates to discuss crucial matters. Also, learn the best things to do near Buckingham Palace.
However, during the months of August and September, some sections of the Palace are accessible to visitors. It is a great opportunity for local and foreign tourists to steal a look at the interior of this magnificent historic establishment.
About Buckingham Palace Architecture
Room Distribution: Buckingham Palace is really big. It has 775 rooms with lots of bedrooms and bathrooms. The Queen, her helpers, and her family use 92 rooms for work. They use a fancy room called the ballroom for big dinners. There are also 19 special rooms for important guests.
In the summer, there are three parties in the palace gardens. Annually, these parties entertain more than 30,000 invited guests. Can you imagine how large the garden alone is? Moreover, how much is the bus fare in London?
However, I want to inform you of some more amazing Buckingham Palace facts for kids. So, the young ones have basic information about each part of the premise.
- Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 by a man named John Sheffield. He was the 3rd Earl of Mulgrave.
- At first, it was called Buckingham House, where the royal family lived and worked for a very long time.
- Regarding space allocation, the entire space is 830,000 square feet. The front yard of the Palace is larger than a football field. It is 108 meters long, 120 meters wide, and 24 meters tall.
- The most important rooms in the Palace are on the main floor, called the piano nobile. This part of the Palace faces the garden on the west side.
- Along with the rooms for the royal family members, workers, guests, etc., there are several other rooms to facilitate different purposes, like a post office, a movie theater, a swimming pool, a doctor’s office, and even a place for making jewelry.
- A massive Music Room inside the Palace stands out because it has a wide bow-shaped front. This room is part of a group of fancy rooms that are next to the Blue and White Drawing Room.
Buckingham Palace Interior Decoration Facts for Children
You must remember that it is the living place of the world’s most prestigious royal family. Certainly, the accommodated decorative and furniture cannot be common and simple.
The decorative items and furniture have their own history that will blow your mind. Here, I list some of the facts related to decorative pieces and furniture.
- The east wing of the Palace has Oriental-style rooms. One room is called the Chinese Luncheon Room, and it has a big fireplace. There’s a special clock called the Kylin Clock from China. It got a new part added later.
- The 1844 Room and the 1855 Room were made to honor important visits. One was for a Russian leader, and the other was for a French leader.
- The Picture Gallery is a long room with light from above. It’s in the middle of other rooms that act like a hallway. Next to this are two other rooms: the Throne Room and the Green Drawing Room. These rooms are full of artworks from various famous artists.
- The Yellow Drawing Room has a fireplace that looks Chinese and wallpaper from 1817.
- Even though some doors were brought from Brighton in 1873, the Chinese theme continued in the late 1920s. The Great Gallery, also known as the Principal Corridor, goes along the eastern side of the Palace.
- When important visitors from other countries come to the UK, they stay in a big suite of rooms in the north-facing Garden Wing called the Belgian Suite. There’s also the 1844 Room, used for meetings. Small hallways connect the suite rooms, and they have dome-shaped ceilings. These ceilings are marvelous, designed by Nash.
- The Guard Room has special tapestries and white marble statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Buckingham Palace Garden: Facts for Kids
Like the exclusive and gorgeous interior of the Palace, its garden is considered phenomenal. It combines the classic and modern concepts of gardening. However, below are some must-know facts. Besides, how long does the London Eye take?
- The Palace’s vast 16-hectare grounds have a tennis court, a beautiful lake, and even a helicopter landing pad. This garden is also used for various gatherings and celebrations.
- In 1760, Sir William Chambers designed the lavish Gold State Coach coated in gold. It boasts of elegant panels painted by an artist named Giovanni Battista Cipriani. This iconic coach rests in a place named Royal Mews. This Royal Mews is also a part of the garden and was designed by John Nash.
Fundamental History of Buckingham Palace for Kids
Buckingham Palace’s orientation started in the 16th century, but not as a royal Palace. In the past, King Henry VIII took over the Hospital of St. James from Eton College in 1531. He transformed it into his Palace. Besides, what time do the guards change at Buckingham Palace?
Change of Ownership: The property also changed hands, including Lord Goring, in 1633. He expanded William Blake’s mansion, called it Goring House, and developed Goring Great Gardens. Later on, In the early 17th century, John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham, received the ownership of this building. Finally, in 1781, Goerge III bought this Palace, and Goerge IV commissioned its renovation in the 1820s. John Nash did the renovation.
Return to Royals: However, after about 500 years, Buckingham Palace returned to royal ownership a long time after William the Conqueror had given it away. Gradually, this building became a crucial symbol of the British Royal family. By the decision of the former Queen, it expanded its serving purposes. Moreover, can you visit Buckingham Palace free of charge?
Current status: Today, Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official residence and administrative center in London. It’s located in the City of Westminster and often hosts state events and royal gatherings. The Palace also plays a central role in national celebration and mourning for the British people.
Final Words
I hope my elaboration will help them learn more about this historical establishment. Now, you know Buckingham Palace facts for kids to amuse your children. To understand the importance of this building, I must mention one more thing here. This building is so important that during World War II, it was the top-most target of the German air force.
