Buckingham Palace

In front of you is the monarch's official residence in London. It wasn't born a palace, though. In 1703 the Duke of Buckingham built himself a large house here. George III bought it in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, and their son George IV commissioned John Nash to turn it into a palace. The first sovereign to live here was Queen Victoria, who moved in in 1837, newly come to the throne.

1A façade from 1913

Oddly enough, the front you see is the newest part. Victoria had the courtyard closed off with a new wing, and in 1913 the architect Aston Webb refaced it in Portland stone to give it its present look. In the middle is the balcony where the royal family waves on great occasions, from the end of both world wars to weddings and coronations.

2Is the King at home?

Look at the flagpole. If the Royal Standard is flying, in red, gold and blue, the monarch is in the palace. If you see the Union Flag, he isn't. That custom was settled in 1997.

The Victoria Memorial behind you was unveiled in 1911. At the top shines a gilded winged Victory.

In front of the railings the Changing of the Guard takes place, with soldiers in red tunics and bearskin caps. Check the official website for the schedule.

3What to look for

• The central balcony on the façade.
• The flag on the mast, to see whether the King is in.
• The gilded winged Victory on the memorial.