Originally known as Buckingham House is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis.
The palace has 775 rooms, and a large and park-like garden. The garden, together with its lake is the largest private garden in London. The state rooms which are used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each year for most of August and September and on some days in winter and spring.