By definition, a palace is a royal residence, primarily accommodating a monarch, so it is a given that the United Kingdom is abundant with palaces most notably Buckingham Palace. But there are many other official royal palaces across the country that continue to house The Queen at various times over the years. Here is a look at current ‘official’ royal palaces in the UK:
Holyrood Palace
Located in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, at the base of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen’s official Scottish residence (with Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, her private residence). Holyrood has operated as a royal palace since the 16th century when King James IV of Scotland had a residence built next to the ancient Abbey that stood there.
Usually (in non-pandemic eras) the current monarch spends a week at the residence every year at the beginning of summer, where she carries out investitures, holds audiences and hosts garden parties. The Prince of Wales also spends a week each year at the residence where he also carries out public duties. For much of the rest of the year, the palace is open to the public who are able to see the state apartments including Mary Queen of Scots’ bed chamber, wander the large grounds including the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and see a ever-changing host of Royal Collection exhibitions.
Kensington Palace
At the western edge of Hyde Park is Kensington Gardens housing Kensington Palace – an actively used royal residence in the centre of London. Originally built as a private home for the Earl of Nottingham in 1605, Nottingham House was later purchased by King William and Queen Mary and renamed Kensington Palace, since then it has remained a royal residence. It has expanded over the years and now includes its original state rooms (which can be visited by the public), staff offices and private ‘apartments’.
Kensington Palace is a popular housing complex for present-day royal family members and is currently home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the Prince of Kent, to name a few. It was previously home to monarchs such as Queen Anne, King George I and King George II, and the birth place of Queen Victoria. Though most of her children and grandchildren have spent some time living at Kensington Palace, The Queen has never resided in the complex.
Saint James’ Palace
Though nowhere near as famous as Buckingham Palace, Saint James’ Palace is arguably the most senior palace in the UK as it is the location of The Queen’s royal court and is also where the Accession Council meets. Over the years it has been home to numerous royals and is currently the official residence of the Princess Royal. Historically the palace was also home to Elizabeth I, Oliver Cromwell and Queen Anne, to name a few.
Built in the 1530s, the palace is much the same as it was nearly four centuries ago, except for some 19th century remodelling after a fire tore through the monarch’s apartments in 1809. It is from Saint James’ Palace that George II donated his stunning library to the British Museum in 1757 (which you can also take a 360 tour of on Google). Located on Pall Mall, The Prince of Wales’ official residence of Clarence House also stands within the complex of Saint James’ Palace.
Buckingham Palace
Originally a private townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, Buckingham House was later acquired by King George III in 1761 and became Buckingham Palace. The initial townhouse was expanded and added to over the years, with extra wings and a courtyard added in the 19th century by famed architects such as John Nash. The first monarch to make the palace their official residence was Queen Victoria and the house has continued to act as HQ for monarchs ever since.
As well as state rooms (which the public can visit), offices and The Queen’s private apartment, the property also includes The Queen’s gallery, the Royal Mews and the extensive gardens which annually host garden parties. The large gardens feature rose gardens, follies, walkways, tennis court, a lake and boathouse all at the rear of the property, making it the largest private garden in all of London.
Other Palaces and Official Royal Residences
Though no longer used as a royal residence Hampton Court Palace is part of the Historic Royal Palaces trust and is best known for housing King Henry VIII as the centre of the Tudor court. Located in East Surrey, HCP sits with 60 acres of carefully maintained gardens and is open to the public almost all year round. The tapestry-heavy Great Hall, William III’s apartments, the ‘haunted’ gallery and the garden’s maze are the most popular areas of the palace for visitors.
Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland is the UK’s only official royal residence on the island of Ireland. Though not named a ‘palace’, it is The Queen’s official residence in Northern Ireland and has been visited and stayed in by numerous royals including The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of Cornwall. Like other royal residences, it is open to the public at certain points each year where visitors can tour state rooms and the beautiful garden.
Kew Palace, located in Kew Gardens, is a former royal palace resided in by King George III. The palace is now a tourists attraction with the princesses bedrooms, the drawing rooms and kitchen are all available to tour around, as well as Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, which stands in the gardens along with a 253-step-tall pagoda.
For other Royal Residences use the ‘royalty‘ tag.