St James's Palace

Although the British monarch to live in Buckingham Palace since 1837, the St. James 's Palace today their official London residence. Here, the foreign ambassadors are accredited in the United Kingdom, and the proclamation of a new monarch takes place here.

That during the period from 1532 to 1540 by Henry VIII built building is separated by the St. James 's Park from Buckingham Palace. Before that there was at this point a St. James's Hospital, James had the younger the patron.

In St. James 's Palace died on July 23, 1536 Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset and on November 17, 1558 Mary Tudor, the English queen. At the time of 1714-1837 ending the personal union of Great Britain with the Kingdom of Hanover Electorate and from 1814 the building served as the residence of officials of the German firm of the king, who maintained the connection between the monarch and his tribe lands.

The former seat of British Queen Mother, Clarence House, located within the palace walls. St. James 's Palace is now occupied by the Prince of Wales and other relatives of the British Queen.

Changing of the guard

Since 1660, the Household troops ( Guard troops ) are responsible for guarding the royal palaces. After Queen Victoria was moved in 1837 in Buckingham Palace, the troops split up. A Guard remained at St James's Palace, the other followed the Queen to Buckingham Palace. So even today marched a part of the Guard at 11.15 clock through St James 's Park to Buckingham Palace and returns at 12.05 clock back to St. James 's Palace. The changing of the guard takes place only on days on which even those performed at Buckingham Palace ( in the summer months from April to July every day, otherwise every two days).