Inside the Book
Behind the guards and the famous balcony, Buckingham Palace runs more like a small city than a house. It has its own post office, its own police, a team whose job is looking after its hundreds of clocks, and a river still flowing in the dark beneath the courtyard.
This book skips the polished tour and goes behind the curtains: a king who botched a silk business on the site, the teenager who kept breaking in while Queen Victoria lived there, the damage left by German bombers, and what it really costs to keep the whole place running. It is grand and odd, and far more human than the postcards suggest.
5 Facts From the Book
The Great Silkworm Business Blunder
Before it was a palace, the land was a massive orchard of mulberry trees planted by King James I in 1609. He wanted to jumpstart a domestic British silk industry to compete with France. He bought ten thousand trees, planted them across four acres, and waited for the silkworms to produce. There was just one massive problem: James accidentally ordered black mulberry trees instead of white mulberry trees. Silkworms are notoriously picky eaters and completely refused to eat the leaves of the black variety. The entire enterprise collapsed into a costly, leafy disaster, leaving the plot of land vacant and prime for future real estate development.
The Boy Who Stole Royal Underwear
In 1838, a fourteen-year-old boy named Edward Jones became the ultimate royal stalker. Known to history as The Boy Jones, he managed to sneak into Buckingham Palace multiple times, at one point disguising himself as a chimney sweep to slip past the guards. He wasn't looking to assassinate anyone; he just wanted to live there. Jones sat on Queen Victoria's throne, read her private letters, ate food from the royal kitchens, and famously stuffed a pair of the Queen's underwear down his trousers. When guards finally caught him hiding underneath a sofa in the royal apartments, the government scrambled to figure out how a child had breached the nation's tightest security.
The King Who Hated the Palace
When King William IV inherited the unfinished palace in 1830 after his brother's death, he absolutely detested it. He thought the design was ugly, the rooms were drafty, and the cost was an insult to the British public. He refused to move in, preferring to stay at his cozy home, Clarence House. When the old Houses of Parliament burned down in 1834, William eagerly offered to give the entire palace to the government to use as the new parliament building just so he could get it off his hands. The government politely declined.
The Sovereign's Private Cash Machine
If the King ever needs a bit of pocket change, he doesn't have to walk down to a local high street bank. Tucked away in the secure basement of the palace is a private automated teller machine reserved for the royal family and senior household staff. Installed by Coutts and Co., the exclusive private bank that handles the monarchy's personal finances, this cash dispenser ensures the King can withdraw crisp banknotes whenever he needs to tip a supplier or carry physical currency of his own.
The Day an Airplane Crashed on the Lawn
During the chaotic aerial battles of the Blitz in 1940, a British Hurricane pilot named Ray Holmes spotted a German bomber heading straight for central London. Realizing his machine guns were out of ammunition, Holmes made a split-second decision to ram the enemy aircraft. The collision sheared off the bomber's tail, causing it to disintegrate in mid-air. Parts of the burning German plane crashed directly into the front courtyard and lawns of Buckingham Palace, while Holmes safely parachuted into a nearby residential area, becoming an instant national hero.
That's 5 of the 100. The other 95 are waiting in the book.
📖 Read the Rest on Kindle UnlimitedWhat is Buckingham Palace?
It is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. It stands as a globally recognized symbol of the British monarchy.
Where is Buckingham Palace located?
It is located in the City of Westminster, London, England. The palace is prominently situated at the end of The Mall, adjacent to St. James's Park.
Can visitors tour Buckingham Palace?
Yes, visitors can tour the State Rooms during the annual Summer Opening, typically from July to September. Selected dates in winter and spring are also available for tours.
Why is Buckingham Palace famous?
It is famous as the official residence of the British monarch, a site for national celebrations and mourning, and for its iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.
How old is Buckingham Palace?
The original house, Buckingham House, was built in 1703. It became a palace in the 19th century under King George IV and was significantly expanded by Queen Victoria.
What happens during the Changing of the Guard?
The Changing of the Guard is a formal ceremony where the Old Guard hands over duties to the New Guard. It involves military precision, music, and a procession outside the palace.
Why does the flag change at Buckingham Palace?
The Royal Standard flies when the monarch is in residence. When the monarch is not present, the Union Flag is flown instead, signifying their absence from the palace.
How many rooms are in Buckingham Palace?
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms, making it a vast complex.
Can you see inside Buckingham Palace without a tour?
No, you cannot see inside the main State Rooms without a tour ticket. However, you can view the exterior from outside the gates and witness the Changing of the Guard.
What is the significance of the balcony at Buckingham Palace?
The balcony is where the Royal Family gathers to greet crowds on significant national occasions, such as jubilees, weddings, and Trooping the Colour, creating iconic moments.
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