Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch, situated in the City of Westminster at the western end of The Mall. The building originated as Buckingham House, purchased by King George III in 1761, and was progressively enlarged and refaced throughout the 19th century, with the well-known East Front facing the forecourt completed in 1913. The palace has 775 rooms and extensive state and ceremonial functions, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony on the forecourt is one of London's principal tourist attractions. The palace faces the Victoria Memorial at the end of the ceremonial route from Trafalgar Square via The Mall.