Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of Britain's monarchy since 1837 and the home to some of the greatest pieces of art from the Royal Collection like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer.

In 1761, George III bought a townhouse from Lord Buckingham for his wife Queen Charlotte and it has been improved by royalty ever since. George IV began the work to turn it into a palace in 1826, and his brother William IV finished the job.

Queen Victoria was the fist monarch to live there in 1837. She added a new wing to accommodate a nursery and added some bedrooms for visitors. Just before WWI, the forecourt was added where the famous changing of the guards takes place.

Not just a home, Buckingham Palace is also the Queen's office building. Most royal work is done in the State Rooms, which is also the main site of State dinners. Every year, more than 50,000 people come to the Palace each year as guests to banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions, and Royal Garden Parties.