LONDON – This summer, visitors to Buckingham Palace in London will have the unique opportunity to stand behind the iconic balcony where the British royal family often appears.
For the first time, the palace is opening its East Wing, which includes the Centre Room where the famous balcony is located. “This room was part of the addition to the East Wing, made by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It was Prince Albert who suggested the balcony,” explained Ms. Nicola Turner Inman, curator of Decorative Arts at Royal Collection Trust. “It was first used in 1851 for waving off the troops for the Crimean War, so it’s been in use for quite a long time.”
Although visitors will not be permitted to stand on the balcony itself, they can look through the net curtain down The Mall and admire a newly restored 19th-century glass chandelier shaped like a lotus flower. “For the public to be able to see the chandelier, not just a glimpse from the doorway, but actually be in the room where it hangs is an exciting prospect,” said Ms. Turner Inman.
Ticket holders will also gain access to the Yellow Drawing Room, featuring 18th-century items such as recently restored hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and a Kylin clock. This opening is part of the ongoing Buckingham Palace reservicing programme, following five years of renovations.
Additional highlights include Chinese imperial silk wall hangings presented to Queen Victoria and artwork from renowned 18th-century British painter Thomas Gainsborough on display in the Principal Corridor. Visitors will also see rooms often used for receptions and meetings, as well as the famous balcony moments.
The summer opening of the State Rooms and the East Wing rooms runs from July 11 to September 29. While tickets to see the newly opened wing are sold out until 2025, access to the State Rooms is still available with cheaper ticket options.