章 163: Buckingham Palace

 Buckingham Palace (English:/ b k m / ) is the royal residence of London and the administrative headquarters of the king of Great Britain. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often the center of state events and royal hospitality. It has become a focal point for the British people in times of national rejoicing and mourning.

Originally known as Buckingham House, the core building of the palace today is the massive townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 on a site that has been privately owned for at least 150 years. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and is known as The Queen's House. During the 19th century it was enlarged by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who built three wings around the central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the residence of the British monarch in London upon the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.