Palace opens Balcony Rooms to the Public

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace is open to visitors for the first time this summer, and special guided tours of the Principal Floor are available to visitors. We preview some of the historic sights on offer...

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Until now, every summer visitors have been able to tour the back rooms and gardens of Buckingham Palace. Now they have been given access to the front of the building, too, giving the public a bigger peek into the lives of the Royal Family.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace encompasses the front façade of the historic building and features the famous central balcony, where the Monarch and members of the Royal Family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851.

Access this year has been made possible due to the conclusion of more than five years of improvement works to the East Wing. The essential works are part of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme to upgrade the historic building's infrastructure, improve access and preserve it for future generations.

Led by expert guides, small groups of visitors are now able to visit spectacular rooms on the Principal Floor, furnished with highlights from the Royal Collection. Visitors will discover the history of the Wing, which is still used by the Royal Family today for official meetings and events.