Buckingham Palace - Official Guide

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Buckingham Palace is one of the official residences of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is Head of State of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and also Head of the Commonwealth. The monarch's direct powers these days are limited. As a constitutional sovereign The Queen acts on the advice of her ministers; nevertheless, the Government, the judges and the armed services all act in The Queen's name and the monarch is an important symbol of national unity. The Queen is kept closely informed about all aspects of national life and the Prime Minister has a weekly audience with her at Buckingham Palace. The Queen has certain residual 'prerogative' powers, which include the appointment of the Prime Minister and granting the dissolution of Parliament. As well as being Head of the Commonwealth, The Queen is Head of State of sixteen of its fifty-four member countries. Many of The Queen's duties are ceremonial and a reminder of the long history of the United Kingdom. These duties include the State Opening of Parliament, The Queen's Birthday Parade and the Garter Day celebrations. The Queen also undertakes visits overseas. Buckingham Palace serves as the office for The Queen and the Royal Household. At Buckingham Palace, The Queen receives Heads of State and of Governments, and gives audiences to Ambassadors from foreign countries and to religious and other leaders. In addition, The Queen holds regular Investitures where orders, decorations, and medals are presented and throughout the year receptions and dinners take place in the State Rooms. in July every year The Queen gives three Garden Parties attended by more than 27,000 people in total. Within Buckingham Palace and throughout the Royal Palaces, incomparable works of art from the Royal Collection are displayed in the historic setting for which they were collected or commissioned by successive monarchs. Because of the status of the building as a working royal palace, objects are sometimes moved. Pictures and works of art are also frequently lent to exhibitions all over the world, so the arrangement may vary from time to time.