This summer, Buckingham Palace will open its East Wing to visitors for the first time, offering access to the rooms that lead to the famous balcony where the British royal family greets the public.
The Royal Collection Trust, which manages the public access to Charles III’s royal residence, announced that the classic summer tours of the palace would begin on Thursday, but access to the new rooms would be available starting July 15.
However, it’s too late to book this unique visit, as all tickets sold out within hours of their release in April. Each ticket cost £75 ($96).
Around 6,000 individuals were granted tickets to tour the East Wing of the palace, which was constructed between 1847 and 1849 as the residence for Queen Victoria’s extended family.
Visitors will have access to the main corridor, adorned with paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, and the rooms adjacent to the balcony overlooking the iconic Mall Avenue, where the public gathers for special occasions.
However, visitors will not be able to access this balcony.
The King and the Royal Family have gathered on this balcony for public appearances since 1851. On June 15, the Royal Family appeared on this balcony to watch the birthday procession of Charles III.
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, conceived the idea of a balcony at Buckingham. Caroline De Guiteau, the King’s Art curator, explains that it was “a method of communication between the Royal Family and the people, and one that continues to be used on special occasions.”
The East Wing is scheduled to reopen at the end of August next year following a five-year, £369 million ($473 million) renovation.
The Buckingham Summer Classic Tour will run until the end of September.
In addition to the regular tour, visitors granted access to the East Wing will be able to explore 19 rooms used by the Royal Family for official receptions, decorated with some of the finest artworks from the Royal Collection.
In the hall, they will be able to view the first official portrait of Charles III following his coronation, painted by British artist Jonathan Young. The public can also embark on a guided tour of the palace gardens.
Buckingham Palace’s East Wing Opens to the Public – But Tickets Are Sold Out
A unique opportunity to explore the private east wing of Buckingham Palace has been met with overwhelming demand. While classic summer tours of the palace begin on Thursday, July 15th marks the debut of the east wing, offering visitors a glimpse into the rooms leading to the iconic balcony where the Royal Family greets the public.
The Royal Collection Trust, responsible for opening Charles III’s royal residence to the public, faced a surge of interest in these exclusive tours. Unfortunately, all tickets for the east wing tour were snapped up within hours of their release in April, leaving many disappointed. The £75 ($96) ticket price served as little deterrent to eager fans, who were captivated by the chance to step into a piece of royal history.
Exclusive Glimpses of Royal History
Approximately 6,000 lucky individuals secured tickets to explore the east wing, constructed between 1847 and 1849 as a residence for Queen Victoria’s extended family. This magnificent wing boasts a main corridor adorned with paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, leading to the rooms adjacent to the balcony overlooking the Mall Avenue, a scene familiar to anyone who has witnessed royal occasions.
While access to the balcony itself is restricted, visitors will gain insight into a space deeply intertwined with royal tradition. Since 1851, the Royal Family has gathered on this balcony for public viewings, most notably on June 15th this year when they appeared for Charles III’s birthday procession.
Caroline De Guiteau, responsible for the King’s Art, reveals that the balcony, conceived by Prince Albert, was a “method of communication between the Royal Family and the people and one that continues to be used on special occasions”.
Renovated Splendor: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
The East Wing, currently undergoing a five-year, £369 million ($473 million) renovation, is scheduled to reopen fully at the end of August 2024. Yet, even in its incomplete state, the wing offers an unprecedented peek into the private side of Buckingham Palace.
The Buckingham Summer Classic Tour, which concludes at the end of September, allows visitors access to 19 rooms used by the Royal Family for official receptions. These spaces are adorned with some of the finest art pieces from the Royal Collection, showcasing a remarkable array of artistic treasures.
A Glimpse of Modern Royal History
Adding to the historical significance of the tour, the hall features the first official portrait of Charles III following his coronation, painted by British artist Jonathan Young. This contemporary addition contrasts beautifully with the historic surroundings, showcasing the evolving narrative of royal history.
The tour also grants access to the palace gardens, offering guided tours through these serene landscapes. Combining access to both the historic and contemporary elements of Buckingham Palace, the East Wing tour offers a truly enriching experience for royal enthusiasts.