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Royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in June 2023
Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP
After the fuss about Kate, the announcement that the Princess and King Charles III had cancer. As well as disputes with the tabloid press, there is finally good news for supporters of the royals: the British royal family is opening several areas in two of its most famous palaces that are normally not accessible to the public for tours.
As the announcement from the responsible Royal Collection Trust shows, this will include the renovated east wing of Buckingham Palace with the famous balcony on which the royal family holds court during celebrations. But this will remain reserved for the royals.
According to the announcement, rooms such as the Yellow Salon or the so-called Center Room will be visited as part of the tours. The royal family gathers in this hall before appearing on the balcony for major events such as the coronation.
The east wing houses the front facade of the palace. The public tours of the area will reportedly be offered for the first time from mid-July to August. Visitors must purchase the tickets together with regular admission tickets to the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace for a total price of 75 pounds (around 87 euros).
Visitors can also get a glimpse into rooms at Balmoral Castle for the first time. The royal estate, located in the Scottish Highlands, was considered the favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the castle in September 2022.
Previous tours were limited to the gardens and outdoor areas, with tours only providing access to the ballroom. From the beginning of July to August 4th, additional tours of "some of the beautiful" interiors will be offered, it said on the castle's website on Wednesday.
Tickets cost £100 or £150 (with afternoon tea), are limited to 40 per day and are expected to sell out quickly. Tours end in early August, when King Charles III. and Queen Camilla usually arrive at Balmoral Castle for their summer break.
spr/AFP/dpa