10 things you didn't know about Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous residences in the world. While many people are aware of the Changing of the Guard and the royals using the balcony on big occasions, there are many facts that people don't know.
Here are 10 interesting facts about the palace that sits in the heart of London.
1. The Queen isn't the only inhabitant
While it is obvious that she shares her palace with her husband, Prince Philip, there are more individuals who live there. The palace has 188 staff bedrooms and 52 royal and guest bedrooms.
2. The flags
Buckingham Palace uses two flags, one when the Queen is home and the other when she is away. When she is home, the Royal Standard flag is used and when she is away, the Union Jack is flown.
3. Queen Victoria first made the palace home to the reigning monarch
While King George III bought the palace for his wife, Queen Victoria was the first reigning monarch to make the palace her home in 1837. Ever since, Buckingham Palace has been home to the reigning monarch.
4. Secret tunnels
In 2006, the Queen confirmed the rumour that there were secret tunnels under the palace. She revealed that she had gone into the basement and encountered a squatter who had been living in the tunnels.
5. Full-time clockmakers
Buckingham Palace has full-time clockmakers who repair and wind up all the clocks and watches that the monarchy owns. The monarchy owns a reported 1,000 clocks in total.
6. Royal announcements
There are two traditions the royals adhere to when they have an important announcement. If there is a death, the announcement is first posted onto the Buckingham Palace gates. If there is a birth, the announcement is placed on an easel at the palace gates.
7. Lighting
Good Housekeeping has reported that there are 40,000 light bulbs throughout the residence. There are also 760 windows that are cleaned every six weeks.
8. Rose garden
The Queen's rose garden is massive and contains 25 different types of roses. The Queen's Royal Garden is roughly equivalent to 30 American football fields or four Wembley Stadiums.
9. ATM
In 2001, bank manager Gordon Pell confirmed that there is a cash machine at Buckingham Palace.
10. King Charles I's memorial
King Charles I was executed at 2pm. As a memorial to the royal, the clock face above Buckingham Palace and St. James Place has a "black blot" covering that hour.
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