Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle to Open for Tourists

On Wednesday, the Royal Collection Trust revealed that the palace's East Wing, home to the renowned balcony, will be accessible for guided public tours in July and August. While visitors won't have the chance to stand on the balcony itself—a site of numerous significant royal moments since 1851, such as King Charles' coronation in 2023—they will have the opportunity to explore previously unseen rooms on the Principal Floor adorned with opulent art from the Royal Collection.

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Additionally, they'll get to explore the history of the wing, originally inhabited by Queen Victoria and her family. The tour will conclude in the Centre Room, leading out onto the iconic balcony.

Initially conceived by Queen Victoria to accommodate her ‘growing family,’ the historic wing has remained closed to the public since its transformation from a horseshoe-shaped courtyard in 1847 to 1849. However, following over five years of renovation efforts under Buckingham Palace's Reservicing Program, the decision to open it now aims to update the building's infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and preserve it for future generations.

This summer doesn't just mark the East Wing's debut; Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's Scottish estate, is also inaugurating guided indoor tours—a first since its completion in 1855. Visitors will be guided through various rooms to uncover the castle's origins, its cherished status among generations of royals, and its contemporary usage.

Balmoral Castle, renowned as one of Queen Elizabeth's favourite retreats, holds special significance. The Queen was vacationing there in 2022 when she passed away in September, becoming the first monarch to die at the estate.

Tour details: Tours of Balmoral Castle will run from July 1 to August 4, with many dates already sold out. However, general admission tickets, which include a tour of the grounds and exhibitions, are still available. As for the East Wing, tickets must be purchased separately from a standard State Room ticket. The Palace will be open for tours seven days a week—a departure from its usual schedule of five days a week—starting in July until September, after which it will revert to its regular operation.

Tickets: Previously, tours focused primarily on the grounds and gardens, with limited access to the castle's ballroom. However, from the beginning of July until August 4th, guided tours will be offered inside ‘several of the beautiful rooms,’ as stated on the castle's website. Tickets, priced at £100 or £150 with afternoon tea included, are limited to 40 per day and expected to sell out quickly.

The tours will conclude in early August, just before King Charles III and Queen Camilla typically arrive for the monarch's summer sojourn at the estate

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