Buckingham Palace, the beginnings of which were first built in 1703 as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, became the palace of the British monarch in 1837 with Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert renovated the palace, added new wings and hosted balls and concerts there. After the death of Prince Albert, a mourning Queen Victoria moved to Windsor Castle, Balmoral Castle and Osborne House. Eventually she returned to London. With 755 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms, Buckingham Palace is considered the largest “working” royal palace since it is mostly used for administrative purposes and is used to host state events and receptions. The palace is owned by the British state, which contributes 15 million pounds each to the palace’s maintenance. Parts of Buckingham Palace are open to the public for tours.
