The Queen's hidden passage at Buckingham Palace has been uncovered. Hello Magazine
Buckingham Palace is known for its grandeur and history, but even the most dedicated royal fans might be surprised by some of its hidden features. Although places like Sandringham and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are open for tours, many private areas of the palace remain off-limits. Recently, the Royal Collection Trust revealed a rarely-seen part of Buckingham Palace that has intrigued visitors and added a touch of intrigue to the royal residence.
A recent Instagram video from the Royal Collection Trust provided a peek into one of the palace's secret passages. This hidden doorway connects the private apartments to the State Rooms, allowing royal family members to make discreet entries to events. According to a curator, this passage helps the royals arrive at public functions almost unnoticed, preserving an element of surprise and privacy.
Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations. Hello Magazine
The "secret" door, camouflaged behind a large mirror and a table adorned with a Sèvres vase, is not immediately noticeable. However, when opened, it reveals a small waiting area with wooden floors and a golden door, designed for the royals to make a grand entrance. This feature has caught the attention of many palace visitors who are fascinated by such hidden details.
The Royal Collection Trust addressed concerns from fans worried that frequent use of the door might damage the palace's exquisite decor. They reassured us that all artwork on the cabinet surfaces is securely fixed to prevent any accidents when the door is in use.
The ballroom is one of the most impressive and frequently photographed rooms in the palace. Hello Magazine
Buckingham Palace, with its 775 rooms, is more than just an iconic landmark. It houses a variety of impressive features including a post office, a grand ballroom, and a royal conservatory with a swimming pool. The palace has been undergoing extensive renovations, including essential updates like rewiring and asbestos removal, at a cost exceeding £300 million. These improvements aim to preserve the palace’s grandeur while modernizing its facilities.
Buckingham Palace frequently holds garden parties. Getty Images
Recently, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace was opened to the public, offering a tour of the Centre Room, Yellow Drawing Room, and the Principal Corridor, along with 19 State Rooms. One of the highlights of this tour was the newly restored Centre Room, which leads to the famous balcony overlooking The Mall. This balcony has been a significant site for royal celebrations, from coronations to Christmas Day messages.
Visitors are now allowed into the room located behind the well-known balcony. Getty Images
Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art at the Royal Collection Trust, shared that the balcony was an idea of Prince Albert. He envisioned it as a means for the royal family to connect with the public, a tradition that continues today. The balcony was first used in Queen Victoria’s reign for significant events like waving off troops to the Crimean War and welcoming them back.
