THE summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, London, continues until September 30.
These 19 state rooms are used extensively by the Queen and the Royal Family on state, ceremonial and official occasions. During August and September when the Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, visitors are welcome daily from 0945 – 1800. Admission is by timed ticket with entry every 15 minutes throughout the day, and tickets are valid only on the date and at the entrance time specified on the ticket. Special note – latecomers cannot be admitted. The tour generally takes about two hours.
Costs (including audio guide): adult £16.50 ($27); under 17 years £9.50 ($15); under five free; family £44 ($72) (two adults and three under 17). Other concessions are available. See www.royalcollection.org.uk
Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s few remaining working royal palaces. The State Rooms form the heart of the palace and are lavishly furnished with many treasures from the Royal Collection – paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; examples of Sèvres porcelain; and fine English and French furniture.
An expert guide offering a special insight into the history and use of the State Rooms and the displayed art works is available on certain days. Cost per person is £65 ($107) and includes an official guidebook. Dates for these tours, which start at 5 pm, are August 3, 17, 23, 24, 31 and September 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 21. A maximum number of 30 places are available on each tour.
Every year there is a special exhibition and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth. The exhibition will include over 100 gifts presented to the Queen who, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, has made over 170 official visits to Commonwealth countries.