Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms (Afternoon Entry)

A dramatic setting by architect John Nash who was greatly influenced by his background in theatre set designs. Central to the room is the pair of throne chairs which are known as Chairs of Estate, which were made for the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1953.

The largest of the State Rooms was completed in 1855, during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was originally known as the Ball and Concert Room.

The Green Drawing Room takes its name from the distinctive green and gold silk wall coverings, first commissioned by Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV. At her request, the silk was woven in Ireland to provide employment in one of the country's poorest regions. Although the wall coverings have been replaced roughly every 30 years, their signature green colour has remained unchanged.

Designed to showcase George IV’s magnificent paintings collection, the Gallery displays some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection. There are some 120 masterpieces on show!

Full-length portraits of Queen Victoria's immediate family line the upper staircase, adding to its grand atmosphere. It's easy to imagine the dramatic entrances and royal arrivals that once took place here.

The palace gardens are best known for hosting the Royal Garden Parties. Spanning 16 hectares, they feature a spectacular 150-metre herbaceous border, a rose garden, a summer house, the impressive Waterloo Vase and the palace's own tennis court.