For eight weeks in the summer, Buckingham Palace—the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen—is open to the public. From July 26- September 28, 2014, visitors can tour the State Rooms, gardens, and Royal Mews. A highlight is the special exhibition which is staged annually (past exhibits, for example, have showcased Her Majesty’s evening dresses and personal jewelry).
This year’s exhibit is titled “Royal Childhood” and focuses on the lives of the young royals over the past 250 years. On display will be treasured toys, clothing, photos, and film footage from the Royal Collection, the Royal Archives, and the private collections of the Royal Family. You’ll see a dolls' house created by a carpenter on the Royal Yacht for George III's daughters, a pink coat worn by the Queen when she was nine years old, and Prince William’s page-boy “sailor suit.”
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Lily Font which was first commissioned by Queen Victoria for her first daughter's christening, and most recently used at the christening of Prince George last fall. Open daily. Tickets from £19.75. For more information, visit www.royalcollection.org.uk
Photos courtesy of Visit London