Londoners and visitors alike are in for a royal treat this summer as Buckingham Palace unveils a long-kept secret – the East Wing will be accessible to the public for the very first time. Set against the backdrop of the iconic front facade, adorned with the renowned central balcony, this exclusive opportunity offers a glimpse into the heart of British royalty.
After more than five years of meticulous renovations, the East Wing, a symbol of heritage and history, will open its doors to guided tours of its Principal Floor throughout July and August. These tours mark the culmination of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme, a venture aimed at modernizing infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and safeguarding the palace for generations to come.
Led by expert guides, small groups of visitors will traverse through splendid rooms on the Principal Floor, adorned with treasures from the esteemed Royal Collection. Steeped in history, the Wing was once home to Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children. Today, it remains a venue for official gatherings and events hosted by the Royal Family.
The genesis of the East Wing dates back to Queen Victoria’s reign when she enlisted architect Edward Blore to expand Buckingham Palace to accommodate her growing family. Completed between 1847 and 1849, the addition enclosed the former horseshoe-shaped courtyard, an architectural feat reminiscent of George IV’s vision for the palace under the guidance of John Nash.
Funded by the sale of George IV’s Brighton retreat, the Royal Pavilion, in 1850, the East Wing’s interiors were enriched with exquisite Chinese-inspired decor. Visitors embarking on the tour will be enchanted by the grandeur of rooms like the Yellow Drawing Room, bedecked with restored 18th-century Chinese wallpaper and adorned with intricately crafted porcelain pagodas.
The tour culminates in the Centre Room, leading onto the balcony, offering breathtaking views and insights into historical moments witnessed from this vantage point. Adorned with a newly restored glass chandelier and precious silk wall hangings gifted to Queen Victoria, the experience promises to be nothing short of regal.
Commencing on July 15, a limited number of East Wing Highlights Tours will be available daily, offering a rare glimpse into Buckingham Palace’s hidden treasures. Tickets, priced at £75 for adults, must be purchased alongside admission to the State Rooms. Meanwhile, the Palace will extend its opening hours to seven days a week during July and August, reverting to five days a week in September.
These prices are definitely targeted towards foreign tourists. I can’t imagine too many locals will be willing to pay such a price to look around.
Priority access to East Wing Highlights Tours will be granted to Royal Collection Trust email subscribers for 24 hours before general sale on April 10. To secure your place in history and delve into the opulent world of British royalty, visit www.rct.uk or call +44 (0)303 123 7300 for tickets and further information. More details available here.
Don’t miss this unprecedented opportunity to walk in the footsteps of monarchs and explore Buckingham Palace’s East Wing, a treasure trove of history, elegance, and royal splendor.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.