Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were both extremely musical and spent many happy hours at Buckingham Palace playing the piano and singing together. Prince Albert’s early death in 1861, aged only 42, was a tragedy from which Victoria never fully recovered. For the next ten years, Victoria barely stepped foot inside Buckingham Palace, describing it in her journal as ‘one of my saddest of sad houses.’

As a focal point for national celebrations, a venue for international diplomacy, and a stage for state occasions, Buckingham Palace remains, in its purpose and essence, the creation of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Victoria also introduced two of the most important traditions of the British Monarchy: the East Front balcony appearances, and the royal garden party. Today, the summer garden parties at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse welcome over 30,000 guests each year.