When you think of London, the image that usually comes to mind isn’t just Big Ben or the Tube-it’s Buckingham Palace. Standing at the end of The Mall, flanked by guards in red coats and bearskin hats, this isn’t just another historic building. It’s the working home of the British monarch and the symbolic center of the nation. For Londoners, it’s part of the rhythm of daily life: the changing of the guard on summer mornings, the royal flags flying high after a birth or coronation, the quiet hum of tourists snapping photos while locals hurry past with coffee from Pret. Here are 10 must-know facts about Buckingham Palace that every Londoner-and anyone who calls this city home-should understand.
It wasn’t always a palace
Buckingham Palace wasn’t built as a royal residence. It started in 1703 as Buckingham House, a large townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham. When King George III bought it in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, it became known as The Queen’s House. It wasn’t until 1826, under King George IV, that architect John Nash transformed it into the palace we recognize today. The original house still exists, buried deep inside the current structure. If you’ve ever walked through the State Rooms, you’re standing on the bones of an 18th-century Georgian mansion.
The balcony appearance is a London tradition
Every time the royal family appears on the balcony-during a wedding, jubilee, or victory celebration-it’s a moment that stops London in its tracks. The last time it happened on a grand scale was in 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee, when over a million people lined The Mall and St. James’s Park. Locals know the drill: if you want a good view, you’ll need to arrive by 6 a.m. or settle for a pint at The Caledonian pub across the road, where the balcony is visible through the window. It’s not just a spectacle; it’s a shared civic moment. When Prince William and Kate appeared after their wedding in 2011, the crowd sang ‘God Save the Queen’ so loudly, you could hear it from Trafalgar Square.
There are 775 rooms-but you only see 19
Inside the palace, there are 19 State Rooms open to the public during summer. That’s less than 3% of the total. The rest? Private apartments for the King, staff quarters, offices, a post office, a cinema, a doctor’s surgery, and even a chapel. The Royal Collection Trust, which runs the tours, says the State Rooms are filled with priceless art: works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto. But the real gem for Londoners? The grand staircase. It’s made of marble from the same quarry as the ones in Westminster Abbey. If you’ve ever stood at the top of the stairs during a tour, you’ve been where the Queen once greeted heads of state, including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama.
The gardens are the largest private garden in London
At 39 acres, the Buckingham Palace Garden is bigger than Hyde Park’s formal gardens and twice the size of St. James’s Park’s landscaped areas. It’s home to over 350 species of wildflowers, a 300-year-old walnut tree, and a lake where swans glide past the Royal Boathouse. The Queen used to host garden parties here every summer-up to 8,000 guests in a single day. Locals who’ve been invited say it’s like stepping into a secret world: waiters in white gloves serve cucumber sandwiches, and the Queen herself walks among guests, chatting like a neighbor at a street party. The garden is closed to the public, but you can catch a glimpse from the gates on Palace Street, especially during cherry blossom season in April.
The Changing of the Guard is more than a tourist show
Every morning at 11 a.m. (April to July), the Household Division marches from St. James’s Palace to Buckingham Palace in full ceremonial dress. It’s one of London’s most photographed events-but for those who live nearby, it’s part of the weekly rhythm. If you work in Westminster, you’ve probably timed your lunch break around it. The guards aren’t just for show; they’re active soldiers from regiments like the Grenadier Guards, many of whom have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. And yes, they really don’t move during the ceremony-even if it’s pouring rain. A 2023 incident went viral when a guard stayed perfectly still while a pigeon landed on his hat. He didn’t flinch. That discipline is why Londoners respect it.
It has its own postcode: SW1A 1AA
That’s right-Buckingham Palace has its own unique postcode, the most famous in the UK. It’s not just for mail; it’s used by government departments, foreign embassies, and even royal charities. If you’ve ever sent a birthday card to the King, you’d address it to SW1A 1AA. The Royal Mail has a special unit that handles all correspondence to the palace. In 2024 alone, they processed over 1.2 million letters. Many Londoners still send letters there for good luck-especially during exams or job interviews. It’s a quiet superstition, but one that’s passed down through generations.
The palace has a secret underground tunnel network
There are rumors of tunnels connecting Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and even a pub called The George in Whitehall. While the full extent remains classified, the palace’s engineering team confirmed in a 2021 documentary that a network of service tunnels exists beneath the building. They were built during WWII to allow the royal family to move safely during air raids. One tunnel reportedly leads to a disused underground station near St. James’s Park, now sealed off. Locals who work in the basement say they occasionally hear faint echoes-like footsteps or the distant chime of a clock-when the palace is quiet.
The flag tells you if the King is home
When the Royal Standard flies over the palace, the monarch is in residence. When the Union Jack flies, they’re away. It’s a simple system, but one that Londoners watch closely. During the Queen’s long summers at Balmoral, the Union Jack flew for months. When King Charles returned for Christmas in 2023, the Royal Standard went up-and suddenly, the crowds outside the gates doubled. Tourists and locals alike pause to check the flag before heading to the Tube. It’s a quiet, invisible signal that connects the city to the monarchy.
It’s powered by its own energy system
Forget relying on the National Grid alone. Buckingham Palace has its own combined heat and power plant, installed in 2018. It runs on natural gas and generates electricity for the palace while capturing waste heat to warm the building. The system cuts carbon emissions by 40% compared to older methods. The royal family’s commitment to sustainability is part of a broader push across London’s heritage sites-similar upgrades have been made at Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. For Londoners concerned about climate change, it’s a reminder that even centuries-old buildings can adapt.
The palace is open to the public-but only for a few months a year
From late July to September, the State Rooms open for ticketed tours. Tickets sell out fast-often within hours. Londoners know to book the moment the Royal Collection Trust releases them in early June. The best time to go? Early Tuesday morning. The crowds are thin, the light through the windows is perfect for photos, and the audio guides are less likely to be broken. If you miss the summer window, you can still see the exterior year-round. Walk the length of The Mall at sunset, when the palace glows gold, and you’ll understand why it’s the most iconic landmark in London.
Can you visit Buckingham Palace in winter?
No, the State Rooms are only open to the public during the summer months, typically from late July to late September. In winter, the palace is used as a working royal residence. However, you can still view the exterior, watch the Changing of the Guard, and take photos from The Mall or St. James’s Park.
Is the Changing of the Guard free to watch?
Yes, the Changing of the Guard is completely free. You just need to arrive early-especially in summer-because the best viewing spots fill up quickly. The ceremony happens daily from April to July, and every other day during the rest of the year. Check the official Royal Collection Trust website for updates, as it can be canceled due to weather or royal events.
What’s the best way to get to Buckingham Palace from central London?
The closest Tube stations are Victoria (4-minute walk), Green Park (7-minute walk), and St. James’s Park (8-minute walk). If you’re coming from the City or North London, take the District or Circle line to Westminster and walk along the Thames. Many Londoners prefer walking from Trafalgar Square-it’s a 20-minute stroll past the National Gallery and along The Mall, perfect for soaking in the city’s royal atmosphere.
Are there any hidden spots near Buckingham Palace locals love?
Yes. The gardens of St. James’s Park offer a quieter view of the palace, especially at sunrise. The Caledonian pub on Buckingham Palace Road is a favorite for post-tour pints. And don’t miss the small bronze statue of Queen Victoria near the palace gates-it’s often overlooked by tourists but cherished by locals as a quiet tribute.
Why does the palace have so many guards?
The guards are part of the Household Division, elite infantry regiments of the British Army. Their role is both ceremonial and protective. While they look like figures from a history book, they’re fully trained soldiers. They stand guard 24/7, even in snowstorms or heatwaves. The number of guards has been reduced over time, but their presence remains a symbol of continuity and security for the monarchy.
For Londoners, Buckingham Palace isn’t just a tourist spot-it’s a living part of the city’s soul. It’s the backdrop to our celebrations, the quiet presence in our commutes, and the symbol of a tradition that’s survived wars, reigns, and revolutions. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the city, understanding these facts helps you see the palace not as a relic, but as a heartbeat. And if you ever find yourself walking past it at dusk, when the lights come on and the flags flutter in the Thames breeze, pause for a moment. You’re standing where history doesn’t just live-it breathes.