vr tour of buckingham palace

Don't Miss These Insider Tours of the Royal Family's Palaces

Wander Buckingham Palace without leaving your couch.

Tired of being cooped up at home? Perhaps you'd like to imagine life someplace a bit bigger, a bit grander, and a bit more, well, royal? You're in luck, because many of the British royal family's palaces and castles now offer extensive virtual tours. Whether you want to traipse around Buckingham Palace or peek down the corridors of Windsor Castle, you can get a bit closer to achieving your dreams through these interactive online resources. Test them out and remember that there's nothing wrong with a bit of escapism.

Buckingham Palace

The Palace's virtual tour includes the opulent Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the vibrant red Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room.

Windsor Castle

While you may not have been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding , you can imagine being there while touring the venue. Windsor Castle has been a royal home and fortress for more than 900 years. When royal weddings are not occurring, the castle acts as the Queen's home—where she usually spends the weekend—and as a royal residence where she performs certain official duties.

With this virtual tour , you can start by going inside a traditional State Banquet in St. George's Hall. Then visit the Waterloo Chamber and the Crimson Drawing Room. Make sure to click on the "i" icons for even more information about each space.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you want something with a bit of Scottish flair, take a look at the Queen's official residence in Scotland: The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located in Edinburgh, the Palace was the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots starting from the 16th century. This Palace hosts visitors throughout the year, and is available for your own personal viewing online through this virtual tour .

The Tower of London

While no one currently lives in the Tower of London, the building is technically a castle and is officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Founded in the eleventh century by William the Conquerer, the Tower has been used as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, a public record office, the home of the Crown Jewels of England, and, most commonly, a prison. The Tower is now mostly a tourist attraction and a place to display the Crown Jewels.

Take a virtual tour, which includes photos of many of these precious jewels, here .

10 Downing Street

If you're in the mood for something more castle-adjacent (i.e. a MASSIVE house), Google Arts & Culture offers a virtual tour of 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Casually referred to as Number 10, the home is over 300 years old and has approximately 100 rooms. Number 10 was first used when King George II offered it to Sir Robert Walpole, the de facto first British Prime Minister, in 1732, so it certainly has royal ties.

On your virtual tour , you can explore the Cabinet Room, the Study, and the Grand Staircase. Each area also has accompanying informational videos, so you can really brush up on your British political history as you peruse.

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New virtual tour of Buckingham Palace takes public inside royal residence

Now anyone can take a peek inside the regal rooms of Buckingham Palace without stepping foot in London — or even the airport.

A collaboration between the British monarchy and Google Expedition has yielded a virtual reality tour of the royal palace, allowing visits inside some of the state rooms that have welcomed dignitaries from around the world, as well as up-close look at the art collection, furniture and fixtures inside Queen Elizabeth’s official residence.

The tour can be accessed on a computer through the official British Monarchy YouTube channel , but is perhaps best viewed on a smart phone, where a mere swipe of the screen provides full panoramic views of each room.

RELATED: Man who sent Queen Elizabeth Christmas cards for 60 years gets royal reply

Photos for the tour were taken last week by 16 cameras placed in circle, each taking a different shot at the same time and then pulled together to provide 360-degree images of the palace.

The tour lasts just under 10 minutes and is guided by Tony Johnstone-Burt, the "Master of the Household,” or chief operations officer, for the queen, and royal art curator Anna Reynolds.

The official tour was launched at an event featuring students from a school in east London.

"We asked them, if you could go anywhere in the world where would you want to go and they replied — Buckingham Palace," said Jennifer Holland, Google Expedition's program manager.

Other virtual tours using the Google Expedition program have allowed viewers to tour places Japan's Mount Fuji and the Borneo rainforest, among other locations around the world. The program often is used by teachers as an education project for students.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Now You Can Tour Buckingham Palace From Anywhere in the World

By Brooke Bobb

Never been inside the home of Queen Elizabeth II before? Thanks to Google, you can finally “walk” the royal halls. Mere commoners can head over to YouTube to watch the tour, but for the full experience, you’ll need to add a piece of cardboard to the mix. Google’s cardboard virtual reality headset allows viewers to use their smartphones to download and watch 3-D videos as part of the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program —a tool created specifically for teachers that allows them to distribute the headsets to their students and take them on virtual trips around the globe. Google polled schoolchildren and found that Buckingham Palace was their most desired place to visit, landing the royal residence a spot on the ever-growing roster of journeys. The existing 150 trips include sites like Yosemite, Mt. Fuji, and the Great Barrier Reef.

buckingham palace

The new tour takes viewers on a “stroll” through seven staterooms, including the Green Drawing Room and the Picture Gallery, with accompanying commentary from the queen’s Master of the Household and Curator of Paintings. The tour also features the White Drawing Room and its secret door leading to the queen’s private apartments. Thrones, grand ballrooms, silk wall coverings, and ornate chandeliers—quite the regal experience for a $20 piece of cardboard.

By Irene Kim

By Christian Allaire

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Take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace

Members of the public can now take a tour of Buckingham Palace from the comfort of their own living room after a new online virtual reality experience was launched this week.

The new initiative allows people to take a look at some of the most famous rooms in the palace, including the impressive state rooms.

The virtual tour is like no other, as users can go right into the heart of the Royal Family’s London residence and examine the 360-degree views.

In the virtual reality experience, users can stand at the bottom of the grand staircase, visit state rooms and even make a stop at the Green and White drawing rooms and the ballroom where investitures take place.

Grand pieces of art are also on display in the picture gallery at the Old Masters, including Canaletto and other masterpieces.

The search engine Google is behind the initiative, where they set up sixteen cameras placed in a circle to capture the stunning images.

The cameras work to create a 3D effect, meaning the experience is, even more, realistic with the size and depth of rooms coming to life.

The Royal Collection Trust collaborated with to make the project some to life. Jemima Rellie from the trust said: “For schoolchildren, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic, magical buildings in the world.

“We’re terrifically excited that, thanks to the virtual reality potential of Google Expedition, children, their teachers and families can visit the palace wherever they live.”

Alongside Buckingham Palace, Google has also created other experiences, including the White House, Great Barrier Reef and the Borneo rainforest.

If you want to be one of the first to go on the virtual tour the virtual tour, click here to go to the British Monarchy Youtube Channel. You must be watching on a smartphone for the concept to work properly.

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Virtual reality tour of Buckingham Palace launched

The general public can now go on an online virtual reality tour of the UK’s iconic Buckingham Palace.

The immersive experience, which allows visitors to explore the heart of the Royal Family’s London residence, was created by Google as part of its Expeditions Pioneer Program.

With a virtual tour, you can  show off your business  and what you believe makes you different from the rest.

The tour takes users on a trip through some of the Palace’s State Rooms and highlights works of art from the Royal Collection that furnish them.

Visitors are not able to move but can do 360-degree turns to view the Palace in all its glory.

Jemima Rellie, from the Royal Collection Trust which collaborated with Google as part of the project, said:

“For schoolchildren, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic, magical buildings in the world.

“We’re terrifically excited that, thanks to the virtual reality potential of Google Expedition, children, their teachers and families can visit the palace wherever they live.”

Starting at the Grand Staircase, visitors can learn about the history of the Palace as a royal residence and find out how the State Rooms are used today by The Queen for official events.

Google set up sixteen cameras placed in a circle – known as a Jump camera rig – to capture images inside the Palace – creating a realistic 3D effect with a high level of depth.

The Buckingham Palace Expedition:

To experience the tour in VR (virtual-reality) or 360 format, view through the YouTube app on a smartphone.

The tour can be viewed in 360 format or in virtual reality (VR).

Other experiences that Google has created include the White House, the Great Barrier Reef and the Borneo rain-forest.

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12 dreamy castles and palaces you can tour remotely

Brighten up your lockdown view with these castles you can explore from home

Unless you’re lucky enough to actually own a castle, chances are your lockdown situation is a little cramped. Millions of people around the world, including us, are stuck inside tiny apartments and flats. But that doesn’t mean we can’t daydream about grander abodes – and why not try one of these grand castles around the world on for size? They’re all closed to the public now, but, thanks to the magic of virtual tours, you can explore them from your very own living room/home office/fitness studio. (We shotgun a few of Versailles ’ 2,300 rooms – that’s more than enough to go around.)

RECOMMENDED: The best castles in the UK

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Virtual tours of castles and palaces

Windsor Castle, England

The oldest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth II is spending lockdown, and it’s where she recently recorded a message for the UK and the Commonwealth from the White Drawing Room. Have a poke around the place yourself with this virtual tour . 

Buckingham Palace, England

A grand palace in the middle of the British capital’s (usually buzzing) centre, Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official London residence. It’s usually open for a few weeks each summer when her Maj goes on her summer holidays, but you can also have a sneak peek inside with this virtual tour , which takes you from the grand staircase to the actual throne room. 

Holyroodhouse Palace, Scotland

Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh is in the shadow of the city’s famous peak Arthur’s Seat. Both are closed for the time being, but you can take a look inside the Queen’s official Scottish residence on this online tour  of the sixteenth-century palace. 

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh’s ancient castle dominates the skyline in the city centre, looming over Grassmarket and the cobbled streets below. While you can’t visit right now you can take a virtual trip to the grand palace to have a wander around. 

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Okay, so you can’t virtually kiss the Blarney Stone, a legendary stone found at the top of Blarney Castle’s tower which promises to impart life-long eloquence on whoever touches it. But – good news – you can still explore the gardens and ruins on this virtual tour . 

Palace of Versailles, France

One of the world’s most impressive buildings, Versailles is an enormous (2,300 rooms!) former royal palace and World Heritage Site. It’s out of bounds for visits IRL, but thanks to extensive documentation from Google you can still explore its grand interiors . 

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Built in the ninth century, the grand castle on the west bank of River Vltava is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. Thanks to this detailed  online tour , you can have a nosey inside the walls, from the Cathedral of St Vitus to the castle’s sunny terraces and the petite homes along sixteenth-century Golden Lane. 

Schönbrunn Palace, Austria

An enormous Rococco palace once home to the Austrian royal family, the Schönbrunn is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Just not right now, obviously. You can still check out this sizeable castle’s gilded rooms and prized artworks though on this virtual tour . 

National Palace of Sintra, Portugal

High in the hills above the city of Lisbon, Sintra is one stunning spot. It was once a royal retreat and is studded with elaborate and beautiful buildings as a result. You can get a taste of one of the loveliest, the National Palace of Sintra, with this online tour . Just look at that tiling. 

Akasaka Palace, Japan

This grand palace in Tokoyo was built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince. T oday, Akasaka Palace, or The State Guest House, is both a tourist attraction and accommodation for visiting state dignitaries. Take a look inside with this virtual tour . 

Palace of Vira Harihara, India

Thought to date back to the fourteenth-century, this ancient palace no longer stands. You can usually explore the ruins of the ruined royal abode, but we’ll have to make do with visiting virtually. This online tour takes you around the ruins and the ornate base of the former palace. 

The White House, USA

This one technically isn’t a castle. But it is pretty much the closest you can get to an ancient royal palace in the US. You can walk around the exterior and interior of The White House, the official residence of the president of the United States, online thanks to this extensive virtual tour . 

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Buckingham Palace Screen Saver

Windsor Castle Virtual Tour

Versailles Virtual Tour

Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour

Buckingham Palace , the Queen's London home, is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, but few people have seen the magnificent interior of Buckingham Palace .

The Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour gives you the chance to see inside for yourself!.  View the stunning State Apartments containing some of the world's most valuable furniture and gaze at works by the world's greatest painters in the Picture Gallery. 

The Queen's Private Apartments are off-limits to the public, but you can explore them in the Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour, along with many other magnificent rooms.

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Content includes:

• Photographs and descriptions of all of the State and Semi State Apartments
• Photographs and descriptions of much of the furniture and many paintings
• Photographs and descriptions of the Private Apartments of the Royal Family
• Colour photographs of some of the Principal State Apartments
• Colour paintings of some of the State Apartments
• Panoramas of the Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room (requires Internet access)
• Historic engravings showing many of the rooms as they were when in use by Queen Victoria and her family
• Many extremely rare photographs of the interior of the Palace from Queen Victoria's reign
• Detailed floor plans of the ground and principal floors of Buckingham Palace

Virtual Tour Features

All Virtual Tours include these features:

• Zoom in on all photos
• Fulltext search to be able to find what you want
• Always be able to see where you are on the floor plan
• Picture tool tips on the floor plan allow you to see the room you are wanting to explore
• Highlighting of rooms as you move over them in the floor plan
• All groups of pictures (e.g. of a room) can be played in a slide show
• All groups of pictures are displayed in thumbnail format so you can easily display the one you want
• Buttons to move to the next and previous room or furniture item
• Room and furniture are separated to allow better descriptions
• Detailed, visual index makes it easy to move to what you want
• Furniture and works of art are organised into collections to make them easier to access
• And much much more...

System Requirements

10 Historic Homes You Can Virtually Tour

Our list ranges from Buckingham Palace to the Frida Kahlo Museum to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Buckingham Palace, London, England

If you’ve ever wanted to see how the Queen of England lives without having to leave your house, now is your moment. Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the official London home to the monarchy of the United Kingdom. Although the palace is still Queen Elizabeth’s primary residence, the State Rooms are available to visit every year during the summer. In total, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, 19 of which are State Rooms, 188 rooms are staff bedrooms, 52 are guest and Royal bedrooms, 78 are bathrooms, and 92 are offices.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, FL

Vizcaya is a Mediterranean Revival-style villa with Baroque elements that was once the home of businessman James Deering. The estate currently consists of 43 acres, but was previously located on an impressive 180 acres. It took eight years and $15 million to build the villa, and another year to complete the Italian Renaissance-style gardens and Vizcaya Village, which consists of 11 buildings across 12 acres, including greenhouses, fields, staff quarters, a garage, barns, and workshops.

The Frick Collection, New York, NY

This Beaux Arts-style mansion located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan was once home to Henry Clay Frick, one of the most prominent industrialists during the Gilded Age. Expect to see Old Masters paintings, decorative arts, and European sculptures in this former residence turned art museum. The Frick Collection is located on Fifth Avenue and is one of the last remaining Gilded Age mansions in New York City. It became a museum in 1935, and since then, the public has been able view Frick’s expansive collection of artwork, which includes Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Whistler, Bellini, Vermeer, and Goya, to name a few.

Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

At just 26 years old, future President Thomas Jefferson inherited a plantation in rural Virginia. An architecture enthusiast, Jefferson himself devised a combination of Neoclassical and Palladian architecture for the estate that would come to be known as Monticello. It is now a National Historic Landmark, and, along with the University of Virginia—which was also one of Jefferson’s designs—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If Monticello looks familiar to you, it’s probably because it’s on the reserve side of the nickel.

Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City, Mexico

In 1958, just four years after Frida Kahlo’s death, her eye-catching, bright blue house in Mexico City became a museum. Not only was Frida Kahlo born and raised in this historic home, it was also where she lived with her husband and fellow painter, Diego Rivera, and later, where she passed away. Diego Rivera donated the house in 1957 so that it could be turned into a museum in honor of his late wife. Kahlo’s house has since been operating as both a historic house museum and an art museum for over 60 years, and it is now the most visited museum in Coyoacán. Artworks by both Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are on display in the home.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, MA

The onetime home of Isabella Stewart Gardner was built in 1903 and is a designated Boston Landmark. As is evident when looking at the home's Instagramable courtyard, the building was inspired by a 15th-century Venetian palace. Isabella Stewart Gardner once said that she wanted her extensive art collection to be exhibited “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Well, so far, so good! The museum is home to American, Asian, and European art, including paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, NY

This spooky Gothic Revival mansion, built in 1838, was once the home of railroad tycoon Jay Gould. It sits on 67 acres and overlooks the Hudson River. The National Historic Landmark home was used as a filming location for The Blacklist, Project Runway, House of Dark Shadows, and Night of Dark Shadows, to name a few. Former owner Jay Gould had a 243-foot yacht built so that he didn’t have to take the nearby railroad built by his archnemesis, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Talk about rich people problems...

Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, VA

Mount Vernon began as a one-and-a-half story home built by George Washington’s father, Augustine, in 1734. It went on to become the plantation of George and Martha Washington, the first President and First Lady of the United States of America. The architectural style of the home is described as loose Palladian, which is a European style inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman structures. Mount Vernon was expanded twice during George Washington’s lifetime, in the late 1750s and in the 1770s, and it was his home until his death in 1799. In 1858, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association acquired the historic home and saved it from ruin by restoring it.

The Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT

Mark Twain (real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens) lived with his family in this Victorian Gothic-style home from 1874 to 1891. This is where Mark Twain wrote novels like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, and A Tramp Abroad. It was Mark Twain and Charles Dudley who coined the term “Gilded Age,” given the title of their 1873 novel, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. Events held at the home have included appearances by fellow novelists Judy Blume, Stephen King, and John Grisham.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England

To end this list with a bang, look no further than Blenheim Palace, the former home of Consuelo Vanderbilt and her husband, the ninth Duke of Marlborough. It was the $2.5 million dowry of Consuelo’s father, William Kissam Vanderbilt—which translates to $76.8 million today—that made the restoration of this historic palace possible. Blenheim Palace has been used as a filming location for a variety of films, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Gulliver's Travels, Cinderella, Spectre, Orlando, Transformers: The Last Knight, Dolittle , and Hamlet . It was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

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What You Need To Know Before Visiting Buckingham Palace (Yes, You Can Go Inside)

• Key Takeaways:
• Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a major renovation until 2027. Some areas may be closed during the renovation, so it is important to check the official website for updates.
• Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace and other royal palaces were closed to the public and are gradually reopening. The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace will be closed for the rest of the year.
• To visit Buckingham Palace, it is recommended to book in advance and arrive early to allow time for security checks. Certain items are prohibited inside the palace, and photography is only allowed in the garden. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is also worth watching.

One of the things that all Americans will most likely do when traveling to London is visiting Buckingham Palace. A far cry from some of the overrated tourist attractions in London , the palace is still a working royal residence and is definitely worth a visit. Keep reading to find out what you need to know before going.

For 70 years, Buckingham Palace was one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II - now, it is an official residence of King Charles III. The changing of the King's (formerly Queen's) Guard is one of the most iconic attractions in London and something visitors from around the world flock to see.

UPDATE: 2023/10/27 17:07 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Everything People Need To Know When Visiting Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace continues to be a global icon for tourists and English people alike. Although there is a renovation happening until 2027, there will be plenty of tours, photo-ops, and history once you enter the property. Have fun, and be safe!

Buckingham Palace Is Being Slowly Renovated

Because Buckingham Palace is so old, there have been efforts made to renovate the property. According to the Royal Family, the building's infrastructure is in urgent need of a complete overhaul to prevent long-term damage to the building and its contents. Of course, this should not result in anyone's trip being ruined, but it is worth it to check the official website now and then to ensure none of the Palace is closed.

Moreover, Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing major refurbishment works costing £369 million, expected to be completed in 2027. This will be one of the most significant renovations ever to the property, which is the country's way of preserving an iconic landmark. King Charles has been steadfast in his efforts to have this project completed as soon as possible, although such a large Palace can only be repaired so fast.

Visitors can expect certain areas to already be finished, with others closing periodically. Therefore, tours may be adjusted and altered to show more of one section over the other, so keep that in mind. Nobody ever said a renovation was easy!

• When Will Construction Be Done At Buckingham Palace?: Construction at Buckingham Palace is expected to finish in 2027.

These scenic train rides through England may offer something unique to visitors.

Notice Of Closures Following The Death Of The Queen

Following the passing of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Buckingham Palace (and the other royal palaces) were closed to the public. The official residences and palaces have been and will be reopening progressively to the public.

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh reopened later in September. However, Buckingham Palace will not be fully reopening in 2022 as the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace will be closed for the rest of the year.

Ordinary Opening Hours For The State Rooms:

• July to August: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
• September to October: 9.30 to 6.30 pm
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesdays

One should check with the Royal Collection Trust for up-to-date information.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the prettiest destinations in London , and that’s just when looking at it from the outside. Centrally located, it’s super easy to get to and is close to three underground stations: Victoria, Green Park, and St. James’s Park, all of which are about 10 minutes away.

Many tourists choose to get off the Tube at St. James’s Park and then stroll through the luscious gardens in the park on their way to the palace. Alternatively, you could take a cab, but this can take a lot longer than the Tube due to traffic. If you don’t mind walking, the palace is within walking distance of several hotels in Westminster. It’s also one of the stops of the Hop on Hop off bus tour.

These are the cheapest spots to visit in England (outside of London, of course).

When You Can Go Inside

Many tourists are content to observe Buckingham Palace through the gates, but it is possible to go inside. The palace offers internal tours between July and October. It’s a self-guided tour where each participant is given an audio guide and allowed to travel through the rooms included on the tour at their own pace. If you’re touring the palace, you must always follow the designated route, and you won’t be allowed to return to another room you’ve already been to.

Entry Fees Buckingham Palace Only:

• Adult: £30.00 ($33)
• Young Person: £19.50 ($22) (Aged 18 to 24)
• Child: £16.50 ($18) (Aged 5 to 17)

Entry Fees Royal Day Out:

• Adult: £55.00 ($61)
• Young Person: £36.00 ($39) (Aged 18 to 24)
• Child: £30.00 ($33) (Aged 5 to 17)

The Royal Day Out includes access to the Royal Mews, The Queen's Galley, and Buckingham Palace. The tour offers access to 19 of the 775 rooms in the palace. You’ll get a chance to walk through the State Rooms where the Queen entertains guests for state affairs, including the Throne Room and the White Drawing Room. You’ll also get to see the Ballroom and walk through the garden on the way out. You also have the option to pay more for access to the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery.

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Book In Advance And Be On Time

Because the palace is only open to visitors for four months every year, places fill up very quickly. Book in advance as far ahead as possible. When purchasing your tickets online, you’ll be able to choose an entrance time, and the sooner in advance you book your ticket, the better chance you’ll have of selecting a convenient time slot.

• Tip: Plan Ahead And Book Tickets Well In Advance

One of the things to know before your Buckingham Palace tour is that you should arrive at the palace between 15 and 30 minutes early. There is always a long queue to get through security, and if you’re too late, there’s a chance you will miss out on your tour.

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The Rules Of Entry

Understandably, there are a few rules of entry that all tour participants are required to follow when visiting the palace. Certain items are banned, including liquids, food, backpacks, scissors, penknives, and luggage. If you bring any of these items in, they will be confiscated. In some cases, they will be returned as you exit the palace. Those with large umbrellas are also asked to check them before embarking on the tour.

Photography is permitted in the garden but not in the staterooms. Mobile phones must also be switched off during the tour. Baby pushers are also not permitted in the staterooms.

These are some of the most historic English towns to visit in the North and South end of the country.

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Other Things To Do At Buckingham Palace

If you don’t book a tour of Buckingham Palace, it’s still worth a visit. Many visitors are content to admire the palace from the outside, but there’s also the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In June and July, this generally takes place every day, although it is subject to change.

From August to May, you can catch the ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The official start time is 11 a.m. and there are several vantage points to watch the ceremony from, including the Buckingham Palace Gate and the Victoria Memorial.

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King Charles Snubs Prince Harry Twice in One Day

Anyone who thought the British royals’ recent health issues might make them stop feuding and come together as a family has seriously underestimated their commitment to holding grudges and engaging in petty drama.

For the past few years, Prince Harry has been living in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and spilling tea about life in the royal family in multiple venues . But when King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February, Harry rushed to London for a brief visit with his father. He said he planned to be back in the U.K. soon and would “see my family as much as I can.”

Harry is currently on one of those planned visits. He returned to London on May 8 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, a sports competition he founded for wounded veterans. But Buckingham Palace has made it pretty clear that the royals’ general stance toward the Spare memoirist hasn’t changed.

Charles is pretending once again that he’s simply too busy to see his son . This message was first conveyed via a leak to The Telegraph last week:

However, any potential meeting between the pair is likely to be brief as the King’s diary is “quite busy”,  The Telegraph  understands.

As former BuzzFeed News royal correspondent Ellie Hall explained amid the “Where is Kate Middleton?” debacle, this is how royal press offices typically comment without actually commenting:

Instead of going on the record, royal press offices  will  give briefings and in some situations provide information to a core group of royal reporters — with the caveat that these reporters won’t say that the information came from an official spokesperson. Phrases like “this reporter understands” or “this news outlet can confirm” are very common in stories about the royal family.

Questions about a royal reunion persisted as no one was satisfied by this tired, somewhat absurd excuse. And since Buckingham Palace would not say anything on the record, Harry took it upon himself to confirm that his father would not see him.

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme,” a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex said on Tuesday.

“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

Apparently, Buckingham Palace did not find this sufficiently humiliating. So just a few hours later, it announced that Charles had found time in his “quite busy” diary to formally put Prince William in charge of Harry’s old regiment, the Army Air Corp. Per The Independent :

“His Majesty the King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,” the palace said in a statement. “In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, the King was pleased to announce military appointments including that the Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty the King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.”

William was an air-ambulance pilot between 2015 and 2017 and was not involved in active combat. Harry served two tours in Afghanistan; the second was with the Army Air Corps from 2012 to 2013. The younger prince was expected to be named colonel-in-chief until he stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

William’s taking the role wasn’t a surprise. As the statement notes, the Palace said he would be the next colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps over a year ago. So did the announcement about next week’s rare father-son ceremony officializing the change really need to go out within hours of Harry’s statement? Probably not.

Still, it’s hard to say how much of this double snub came from Charles himself and how much is attributable to palace aides. Presumably, the king could see his son if he really wanted to, but he isn’t hitting “send” on royal press releases. Dubious excuses and nasty PR moves may be more attributable to “ the institution ” Harry thoroughly trashed in Spare.

More royal rumblings

• Senior Royals Are Still Snubbing Prince Harry
• What It’s Like to Be a Member of the Royal Press Pack
• Kate Middleton News: A Complete Guide for Daft Americans
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