18 July 2024
Next week, the room behind Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony will open to the public, offering a glimpse into George IV’s appreciation for oriental art and furniture.
Here are some key points surrounding this exciting development:
- George IV played a key role in allowing access to the royal residence’s east wing for the first time, with nearly 6,000 tickets selling out rapidly in April.
- The room is famous for hosting Paddington Bear’s meeting with the late Queen during the Jubilee celebrations.
- Caroline de Guitaut, the Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art, highlighted Prince Albert’s vision for the balcony at Buckingham Palace to foster a connection between the royal family and the public.
- The east wing of the palace, constructed between 1847-1849, was designed to accommodate Queen Victoria’s expanding family and housed remarkable items from George IV’s Brighton palace.
- Guided tours of the east wing will showcase the palace’s state rooms, including the yellow drawing room with its oriental-style fireplace and historical artifacts.
The central room features a beautifully restored glass chandelier and two 18th-century Chinese imperial silk wall hangings gifted to Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
