Experience the Royal Majesty: Guided Tours of the Historic East Wing Available This Summer
For the first time in history, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace will be open to the public for special guided tours of the Principal Floor, available in July and August. This summer, visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the iconic front façade of the palace, featuring the famous central balcony where the Royal Family has made historic appearances since 1851.
This unprecedented access comes after more than five years of extensive improvement works as part of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme. The programme aims to upgrade the palace’s infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and preserve this historic landmark for future generations.
Led by expert guides, small groups of visitors will embark on a journey through spectacular rooms on the Principal Floor, adorned with treasures from the Royal Collection. These tours will delve into the rich history of the East Wing, first occupied by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children, and still used today for official royal meetings and events.
A Glimpse into Royal History
In response to Queen Victoria’s request, architect Edward Blore was commissioned to design alterations to Buckingham Palace to accommodate her growing family. Between 1847 and 1849, the East Wing was added, enclosing a previously open horseshoe-shaped courtyard designed by John Nash during George IV’s conversion of Buckingham House into a palace.
The construction of the East Wing was financed by the sale of George IV’s seaside retreat, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, in 1850. The Pavilion’s architecture and interiors, influenced by the King’s passion for Asian art and design, inspired the Chinese-themed décor of the East Wing’s principal rooms. Notably, some of the Pavilion’s finest ceramics and furniture were transferred to the East Wing, enriching its aesthetic.
Tour Highlights
Visitors on the East Wing Highlights Tour will traverse rooms and corridors rich with history and artistic splendor. Highlights include:
- Principal Corridor: Running the length of the Wing, adorned with paintings by renowned artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Thomas Lawrence, and Franz Xaver Winterhalter.
- Yellow Drawing Room: Featuring recently restored 18th-century Chinese hand-painted wallpaper, two hexagonal, nine-tiered Chinese porcelain pagodas, and the Kylin Clock with turquoise Chinese lions.
- Centre Room: The tour culminates here, leading to the balcony. Visitors will marvel at a newly restored glass chandelier shaped like a lotus flower and two 18th-century Imperial Silk wall hangings, gifts from Guangxu, Emperor of China, to Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Booking Information
A limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours will run daily from Monday, July 15. Tours must be booked in addition to the standard admission ticket to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. For the first time since 2019, the Palace will be open seven days a week during July and August, reverting to five days a week in September.
This summer, don’t miss the chance to step inside the East Wing of Buckingham Palace and witness the grandeur of royal history and heritage. Secure your tickets early and be part of this historic event.
For more information and to book your tour, visit the official Buckingham Palace website.
https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace/the-east-wing-of-buckingham-palace
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