You’ve seen the photos. Those stiff, formal portraits where a new King or Queen looks straight into the lens, weighed down by velvet and gold. Most of the time, the backdrop is a blur of crimson and gilded arches. That’s the Buckingham Palace Throne Room, and honestly, it’s a lot weirder and more interesting than the official postcards suggest.
People often think of it as a dusty museum wing. It isn't. It’s a working stage.
The Room That Nash Built (and George IV Paid For)
In the 1820s, George IV decided Buckingham House wasn’t nearly grand enough for his ego. He hired John Nash, an architect who basically treated building design like theater set construction. Nash didn't just want a room; he wanted a "Triumphal Arch" vibe.
The result is a space that feels surprisingly narrow but incredibly tall. It’s 36 meters long, which sounds big until you realize the Ballroom next door makes it look like a closet. But the height? That’s where the drama lives. Nash used massive Corinthian columns and a ceiling that looks like it was iced by a baker with an unlimited budget for gold leaf.
If you look up, you’ll see a frieze. It depicts the War of the Roses. Why? Because the Tudors—and by extension, the current Windsors—wanted everyone to remember that they ended the civil wars and brought peace. It’s 19th-century PR carved into the walls.
✨ Don't miss: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
The Secret of the Two Thrones
Here is what most people get wrong about the Buckingham Palace Throne Room: there isn't just one "throne."
In the center, under that massive red canopy, you’ll usually see two chairs. These are the "Chairs of Estate." They aren't actually the ones used for the crowning moment at Westminster Abbey (that’s the ancient St. Edward’s Chair). Instead, these are the "arrival" chairs.
- The King’s Chair: This one was originally made for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. For King Charles III’s big day in 2023, it was reupholstered.
- The Queen’s Chair: This was made for the Queen Mother (then Queen Elizabeth) for the 1937 coronation.
- The Tiny Detail: If you get close enough during a summer tour—and you have really good eyesight—look at the cross-stretcher under the seat. You can still see a small "E" for Elizabeth and "P" for Philip on some of the older pieces.
There are actually several other thrones tucked away in the corners or against the walls. Queen Victoria’s throne is there. King George VI’s is too. It’s basically a high-end furniture storage unit for the history of the monarchy.
It’s Not Just for Photos
While the world knows this room as the place where William and Kate (and later, Harry and Meghan) took their official wedding portraits, its daily life is much more "administrative."
🔗 Read more: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
Investitures happen here. That’s the formal ceremony where the King or Princess Anne pins a medal on someone’s chest and taps them on the shoulder with a sword. It’s a high-pressure environment. You have to walk in, bow (or nod), take three steps, chat for exactly 30 seconds, and then walk backward without tripping over the carpet.
The carpet, by the way, is a deep, vibrant red that feels about four inches thick. It’s designed to muffle sound. When the room is full of 150 people waiting for a CBE, it is unnervingly quiet.
What It’s Like to Visit in 2026
If you’re planning to see the Buckingham Palace Throne Room this year, you need to know that things have changed a bit. The palace is in the middle of a massive, decade-long renovation. Some rooms are occasionally closed for "reservicing" (which is royal-speak for fixing 100-year-old wiring).
- The Summer Opening: This is your best bet. From July to September, the State Rooms open to the public. You’ll walk through the Grand Entrance, up the staircase, and eventually hit the Throne Room.
- The Winter Tours: These are rarer and much more expensive. We’re talking £100 per person compared to the standard £30-£40. But they are small groups, and you don’t feel like you’re being herded like cattle.
- No Photos: Don't even try. The wardens have a sixth sense for iPhones. If you want a photo of the thrones, you’ll have to buy a guidebook in the gift shop.
The Nuance of "Modern" Royalty
There is a legitimate debate about whether these rooms are still relevant. Some critics argue that the sheer opulence of the Throne Room feels out of touch in 2026. Others argue it’s a vital piece of "soft power" that brings billions in tourism to London.
💡 You might also like: 10 day forecast myrtle beach south carolina: Why Winter Beach Trips Hit Different
Honestly? Both can be true.
When you stand in that room, you feel the weight of it. It’s designed to make you feel small. Whether that’s "majestic" or "intimidating" depends entirely on how you feel about the crown. But as a piece of architectural theater, John Nash absolutely nailed it.
Your Practical Strategy for Seeing It
Don't just show up at the gates. You will be disappointed.
- Book 3-4 months in advance. Tickets for the 2026 summer season usually drop in the winter of 2025.
- Go late. The 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM slots are usually less crowded than the morning rush. The light hitting the gold leaf through the windows at that hour is spectacular.
- Check the East Wing. For the first time in history, the Palace has been opening the East Wing (the part with the balcony) for special tours. If you can snag a combined ticket, do it.
The Buckingham Palace Throne Room isn't just a place where a King sits. It’s a room that was built to tell a story about power, stability, and the ability to throw a really, really good party. Even if you aren't a monarchist, the craftsmanship alone is worth the price of admission. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes—the walk from the front gate to the Throne Room is longer than you think.