Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today's palace was a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 on a site that had been in private ownership for at least 150 years. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as The Queen's House. During the 19th century it was enlarged, principally by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
London is steeped in over 2,000 years of history
and many of the capital's longest standing traditions are still very much alive.
Head to her palaces, courtyards and castles for ceremonies embedded in history.
A number of annual parades regularly enliven the capital's most ancient sites
from Trooping the Colour to the State Opening of Parliament.
The Queen's Guard usually consists of foot guards in their full dress uniform
of red tunics and bare skin hats.
If they have operational commitments, other infantry units take part instead.
The handover is accompanied by a Guards Band
which plays music ranging from traditional military marches
to songs from films and musicals and even familiar pop songs.
For nearly 200 years, Buckingham has been the seat of the British monarchy.
The building is a symbol of power and tradition, a source of national pride
and a place of gathering during times of joy and grief.
Situated right in front of Buckingham Palace,
this large memorial was built in honour of Queen Victoria who reigned for almost 64 years.
The statue was carved from a massive block of solid marble
with figures representing truth, peace, constancy and motherhood.
Today, the Palace's rooms are used by the Queen and members of the Royal Family
to receive and entertain their guests on official state and ceremonial occasions.
During the months of August and September, when the Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland,
the Palace's 19 state rooms are open to visitors.
Set in the heart of Royal London at Hyde Park Corner,
Wellington Arch is a landmark for Londoners and visitors.
Originally commissioned as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace,
it was moved to its present site in 1882.
Take the lift to the balconies just below the spectacular bronze sculptures surmounting the arch
for glorious panoramas over London's Royal Parks, the Royal Artillery Memorial and their sculptures.
The Wellington statue commemorates the soldier and Prime Minister
as well as Britain's victories in the Napoleonic Wars.
War memorials are a familiar sight in the British landscape.
They provide insight into not only the changing face of commemoration,
but also military history, social history and art history.
The Guards Memorial, Horse Guard Parade commemorates all those members of the Household Division
who died in the Second World War and in the service of their country since 1918.
St. James's Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, is surrounded by three palaces.
Walking the elegant paths of St. James's Park today, it is hard to imagine that pigs once grazed here.
But 470 years ago, the St. James's area was known mainly for its farms, woods and a hospital for women lepers.
The park was transformed after Charles II became King in 1660.
During his exile in France after the English Civil War,
he had been impressed by the elaborate gardens belonging to the French royal family.
When Charles returned home, he ordered the redesign of St. James's Park.
The new park featured a straight canal, lined on each side with avenues of trees.
