This summer, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the East Wing of Buckingham Palace and several sections of the stunning Balmoral Castle, as the British monarchy opens its doors for guided tours. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, you can marvel at the intricate architecture, exquisite artwork, and fascinating stories that these iconic royal residences have to offer.
Starting from mid-July and going through to August, The Royal Collection Trust will be offering public guided tours of the East Wing for the first time in response to the completion of over five years of improvement works. The Royal Collection Trust is a department of the Royal Household and is the only one that carries out its activities without any public funding. It includes a charity that is regulated by both the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scott.
The East Wing of the London Palace includes the front facade and features a central balcony, which since 1851 has been used by monarchs and other members of the royal family for public appearances during special occasions and historic moments. The East Wing encompasses the front façade of the Palace and the central balcony.
Tours of the newly reserviced East Wing of Buckingham Palace will run this summer, said a post on the Royal Collection Trust page on X, formerly Twitter. It urged people to book soon as tickets will sell fast. In order to get priority access on April 9, you have to sign up to their newsletter here. Tours must be purchased with a state room ticket for £75 (INR 7893) per adult.
Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as the home of the monarch, the focus of national and royal celebrations, as well as the backdrop to the regular Changing the Guard ceremony. The magnificent State Rooms are open to visitors each summer, and on selected dates for Exclusive Guided Tours during winter and spring.
This summer, tourists will also have the opportunity to visit the Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the royal family has resided. The castle, located in the Scottish Highlands, was considered to be the favourite residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022. Visitors will be able to see parts of the castle that were used by the royal family. The Balmoral Castle website said, "For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with experienced guides. They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle."
Starting from the beginning of July until August 4, guided tours will be offered of several beautiful rooms inside the castle. The previous tours, which will continue, have focused on the grounds and gardens, and access to the castle was limited to the ballroom. During the guided tours, visitors will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family.
According to a recent study by McCarthy Stone, if Buckingham Palace was for sale, it would cost a staggering 1.3 billion pounds. The 775-room London residence has increased in value by 100 million pounds since before the pandemic, thanks to the UK's heated housing market and the monarchy's popularity. The study also estimates that the total value of the UK's royal property portfolio, which includes castles and lodges across the country, has reached 3.7 billion pounds in 2022, up 460 million pounds since 2019.
Tickets are priced at £100 or £150 with afternoon tea included and are limited to 40 per day, so they are expected to sell out quickly. The tours will end in early August, just before King Charles III and Queen Camilla usually arrive for their summer break at the estate. Find more information here.
