St James’s Palace

St James’s Palace is the most senior Royal Palace in the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, although no longer the principal residence of the monarch, it is the ceremonial meeting place of the Accession Council and the London residence of several minor members of the royal family

Although St. James’s Palace is the official residence of the sovereign, no monarch lives in St. James’s Palace today. However, it is still used as a ceremonial meeting place for the Accession Council, and is the residence of minor members of the royal family, like Princesses Beatrice and Eugene of York and Princess Alexandra. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall live in Clarence House, which is attached to St. James’s Palace as well.

Inside St. James’s Palace you will see four courts (now known as Ambassador’s Court, Engine Court, Friary Court and Colour Court). There is also a north gatehouse which consists of four storeys as well as two crenelated flanking octagonal towers and a central clock. The clock was added later in 1731, and was decorated with the initials “H.A.” for Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn. You can also still see Henry VIII’s royal cipher “H.R.” at the Tudor gatehouse at the south side of St. James’s Street, which is located near the original foot passages leading to Colour Court.

The palace is also part of a “sprawling complex” of different buildings which house court offices as well as official apartments. One of which includes York House, (the former residence of Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry), and next door lies Lancaster House, which is used for official receptions. Also nearby is Clarence House, which was the home of the late Queen Mother, although now it is the official residence of the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and the Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla Parker-Bowles).

 

Show all timings
  • Saturday24 hours open
  • Sunday24 hours open
  • Monday24 hours open
  • Tuesday24 hours open
  • Wednesday24 hours open
  • Thursday24 hours open
  • Friday24 hours open
building Own or work here? Claim Now! Claim Now!
image