The palace was originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House, a London home for the 3rd Earl of Mulgrave, John Sheffield. It became a royal residence when King George III purchased it in 1761 as a comfortable family home for his wife, Queen Charlotte. Fourteen of George and Charlotte's 15 children were born there.
Take a virtual tour around the Palace and see the grandeur of the great halls and ceilings, gaze upon the great works of art created by the greatest artists that ever lived. Click on the 'Virtual Tour of Buckingham Palace' from the list on the left