Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is Queen Elizabeth II's official residence, and has been the official London residence of Britain's sovereign since 1837. The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace have been opening to the public for the Annual Summer opening, in August and September, since 1993, after the fire at Windsor Castle in November 1992. Initially the Summer Opening was considered a way to pay for the damage at Windsor Castle, but it became so popular The Queen has continued to allow visitors every summer. The Queen is not at Buckingham Palace when it is open to the public, she goes to one of her country residences.

Only for 2008, visitors to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace can see the Ballroom set up for a State Banquet. (When the Queen entertains around 170 guests on the first evening of a State Visit.) Visitors will see the traditional horseshoe-shaped State Banquet table, (adjusted in size to accommodate the visitor route), set with dazzling silver-gilt from the Grand Service and adorned with magnificent flower arrangements. Film footage will show the behind-the-scenes work of Royal Household staff.

Find out all you need to know to plan a visit to the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace by clicking on the links below.

• State Banquet at Buckingham Palace - Only for 2008
• Buy advance tickets from Viator
• Buckingham Palace: Introduction
• Buckingham Palace Opening hours
• How to Get to Buckingham Palace
• Buckingham Palace Tickets
• Unlimited Admission at Buckingham Palace
• Buckingham Palace Visitor Facilities
• Buckingham Palace Audio Tours & Guidebooks
• Family Activities at Buckingham Palace
• Top 10 London Attractions
• _{Image: The Royal Collection © 2008, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Photograper: Simon Roberton)}