Next week onwards, Buckingham Palace will unveil a new attraction for visitors: access to the exclusive room where members of the Royal Family gather before stepping out onto the iconic balcony. This behind-the-scenes area, known as the Centre Room, has been a private space for royals to compose themselves before greeting crowds from the balcony.
Under the initiative of King Charles, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace, which houses the Centre Room and its magnificent features, will be open to the public for the first time. Nearly 6,000 tickets sold out swiftly in April, underscoring the public’s eagerness to explore this historically significant part of the palace.
While visitors will not be allowed onto the balcony itself, they can catch glimpses down The Mall through the famous net curtains that adorn the balcony doors. However, one notable item that typically accompanies royal gatherings in the Centre Room will be absent during tours: a television. This device, usually placed to offer views of the crowds gathered outside, has been discreetly removed for the public tours, as reported by The Telegraph.
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The Centre Room boasts several highlights, including a newly restored glass chandelier designed in the likeness of a lotus flower. Additionally, visitors can admire two 18th-century imperial silk wall hangings from China, presented to Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. These artifacts underscore the palace’s rich history and cultural exchanges over the centuries.
Guided tours through the East Wing will also showcase the palace’s state rooms, offering visitors insights into the royal family’s official entertaining spaces. Noteworthy features include the yellow drawing room, adorned with an oriental-style fireplace from George IV’s royal pavilion in Brighton, along with intricate gilded décor and historical artifacts curated by Queen Mary.
The East Wing itself, constructed between 1847-1849 to accommodate Queen Victoria’s expanding family, reflects Prince Albert’s vision of connecting the royals with the public through the balcony’s ceremonial role. This architectural addition became pivotal during Queen Victoria’s reign, symbolizing both royal pageantry and public engagement.
Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art, highlighted the significance of these spaces, noting their evolution as a canvas for royal expression and historical preservation. She emphasized Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s contributions in furnishing these rooms with opulent decorations that reflect their era’s tastes and cultural influences.
Visitors with standard tickets will have access to 19 staterooms used by the Royal Family for official ceremonies, including the ballroom featuring a striking portrait of King Charles by artist Jonathan Yeo. This initiative marks a significant step in opening up Buckingham Palace’s rich heritage to the public, allowing them to experience firsthand the grandeur and historical significance of these revered spaces.
As Buckingham Palace prepares to welcome its first public tours of the East Wing and Centre Room, anticipation mounts among visitors eager to immerse themselves in the royal history and architectural splendor that define this iconic landmark.
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