Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty the Queen. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

In August and September, when the palace is not being used in its official capacity, visitors can enjoy the State Rooms, which form the heart of the working palace - nineteen rooms, lavishly furnished with the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto and some of the finest English and French furniture.

The special exhibition at the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace in 2010 will give visitors a lively insight into the principal national and ceremonial events in the royal year. "The Queen's Year" will include displays of ceremonial robes, gifts, uniforms, dresses and jewellery, as well as archive photography and film to evoke the many and varied aspects of the sovereign's work.

Visitors end their tour with a walk along the south side of the Palace garden, which splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake.