A Royal Welcome at Buckingham Palace
at Buckingham Palace
Experience A Royal Welcome at the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace.
Last year the Royal Family welcomed more than 62,000 guests to Buckingham Palace, at State Visits, receptions, Garden Parties, Investitures and private audiences. This year, displays throughout the State Rooms recreate the settings for these occasions, including the Palace Ballroom, which is transformed for a State Banquet with glittering silver-gilt from George IV's Grand Service.
Find out how people are welcomed to Buckingham Palace and what goes on behind-the-scenes to create the magic and magnificence of a State Visit – from the dresses designed, to the ingredients and porcelain chosen for a State Banquet.
For the first time ever, visitors to the Summer Opening will enter the State Rooms through the Grand Entrance, used by those who come to the Palace at the invitation of The Queen, including Heads of State and Prime Ministers.
(image © Press Association)
Events programme
Video: Arrival at the Grand Entrance
The Queen arrives at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace during a State Visit.
Video: Transforming the Ballroom for a State Banquet
A State Banquet for approximately 170 people is held on the first night of a State Visit.
Video: preparing the silver gilt at Buckingham Palace
It takes eight people three weeks to clean and polish the service in preparation for a State Banquet
Video: A Victorian garden party
Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s.
Map & directions
By train
London Victoria or London Charing Cross. Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By underground
Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner. For further information visit the Transport for London website.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace.
