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This summer, the Buckingham Palace* is flipping the welcome mat out in grand style! For the very first time, the East Wing—freshly spruced up and gleaming—will swing its doors wide open for an exclusive sneak peek. Imagine tiptoeing through the very halls and rooms where history has been made, all through July and August!
But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just any old walkabout. Prepare for a VIP escort through the Principal Floor, where the secrets and splendors of the palace come alive. Picture this: the East Wing, famed for its majestic front façade and that iconic balcony where the Royal Family waves to adoring crowds, has been the backdrop of royal appearances since 1851. And now, you can be part of that history.
After a whopping five years of nips and tucks, this architectural jewel is ready for its close-up. You and a cozy group of fellow explorers will have the chance to meander down the Principal Corridor, stretching the entire length of the wing. And oh, the treasures you’ll see! Thomas Gainsborough’s masterpieces grace the walls, whispering tales of yesteryears.
The East Wing isn’t just any part of Buckingham Palace*; it’s where Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their lively brood once lived. Today, it continues to buzz with royal gatherings and stately affairs. Edward Blore, the architectural whiz commissioned by Queen Victoria, expanded the palace in the mid-1800s to accommodate her expanding family, transforming an open courtyard into the East Wing we marvel at today.
The twist? The construction was bankrolled by selling off the Royal Pavilion, George IV’s chic beachside escape. The Pavilion’s love affair with Asian art didn’t end there; its exquisite ceramics and furnishings found a new home in the East Wing, setting the stage for a breathtaking Chinese-themed décor.
Step into the Yellow Drawing Room, and it’s like wandering into a scene from a Qing dynasty scroll. Recently restored Chinese hand-painted wallpaper from the 18th century adorns the walls, alongside stunning Chinese porcelain pagodas and the whimsical Kylin Clock, guarded by two turquoise lions.
The grand finale of the tour? The Centre Room, crowned with a lotus-shaped glass chandelier and flanked by two 18th-century Chinese silk wall hangings—a gift to Queen Victoria that still dazzles visitors today.
Mark your calendars! Daily tours kick off on 15 July, with tickets up for grabs starting 10 April. It’s not just a tour; it’s a time machine to opulence and history, wrapped up in an unforgettable summer adventure.
