The balcony might be one of Buckingham Palace’s best-known features. Used by Queens and Kings to greet the public during official festivities, it has been in use since 1851. However, until now, the public never got to visit the room behind the famous balcony.
This summer, Buckingham Palace will be reopening for visits and, for the first time in its history, the East Wing will accessible. That wing includes the Centre Room, also known as the room behind the balcony. The balcony itself, however, will not be open.
“This room was part of the edition of the East Wing, made by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. And it was Prince Albert who suggested the balcony,” Nicola Turner Inman, curator of Decorative Arts at Royal Collection Trust, told Reuters. “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.”
The reason for opening the East Wing to visitors is its recent restoration. Works on the building have been going on for five years and included renewing electric wiring, plumbing and heating – with a budget of 369 million pounds. Until the end of August, tourists and curious Brits alike can book a tour of the East Wing to get a glimpse of all that has been done.
Aside from the Centre Room, the wing contains the Yellow Drawing Room and the Principal Corridor, with many of the rooms being Chinese-themed and containing pieces from the Royal Collection that were originally kept at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Some of the main pieces are the Chinese imperial silk wall hangings presented to Queen Victoria and artwork by 18th century British painter Thomas Gainsborough.
“Led by an expert guide, the East Wing Highlights Tour will take you through the principal rooms of the Wing, as you discover the spaces beyond the famous façade of the building. You will view exquisite works from the Royal Collection and visit the Centre Room, which leads on to the Palace balcony, first used by Queen Victoria. After your tour, which lasts around 45 minutes, you will join the self-guided tour of the State Rooms. You will be able to visit the Garden Café and Garden Shop at the end of your visit”, the Royal Collection Trust explains.
Sadly, tickets to visit the East Wing are already sold out. Unless any new ones will be released, fans of the British royals will have to wait until next summer to visit the recently renovated part of Buckingham Palace.
