In 2014 visitors to Buckingham Palace, The Queen's London residence, can see a special exhibition on 'Royal Childhood' as part of the Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, 26th July - 28th September 2014.
Every summer inquisitive visitors get the chance to look round Buckingham Palace and admire the interiors of the principal royal residence. Visitors for the Summer Opening tour are permitted access to the nineteen State Rooms which are still used by the Royal Family to receive and entertain guests on state and ceremonial occasions. Decorated in lavish fashion, they include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, Sevres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. There are also some exquisite royal gifts, including Faberge Eggs, on display. This is a fascinating opportunity to admire the taste - often wonderful, sometimes comically bad - of Britain's monarchy.
The eagerly awaited announcement of the birth of Prince George of Cambridge at 4.24pm on 22nd July 2013 is one of 150 objects spanning more than 250 years on display at Royal Childhood, this summer's special exhibition at Buckingham Palace. Well-loved toys, treasured family gifts and tiny outfits belonging to nine generations of royal children, as well as previously unseen photographs and film footage, are among the objects from the Royal Collection, the Royal Archives and the private collections of members of the Royal Family. The spectacular silver-gilt Lily Font, commissioned by Queen Victoria for the christening of her first daughter Princess Victoria in 1841 and used at almost all major royal baptisms since, is part of the display and can be see in the Music Room alongside the silk-satin and lace christening robe worn by Prince George of Cambridge.
Marking the 300th anniversary of the beginning of the Georgian era, The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760 at The Queen's Gallery brings together more than 300 works in the Royal Collection in order to explore royal patronage and taste during the reigns of George I and George II. When George I ascended the throne in 1714, becoming the first British monarch of the German House of Hanover, it marked the beginning of one of the most dramatic periods of change across British politics, intellectual and cultural life. This exhibition showcases a time when Britain was the world's most liberal, commercial and modern society.
The Royal Mews forms part of Buckingham Palace and houses the carriages and horses used by the Queen and the Royal Family for State and ceremonial occasions. A visit provides an opportunity to see the Royal Household in action. For much of the year the stables are also home to the 30 Windsor Grey and Cleveland Bay horses who serve the Queen on official duty when required. Visitors can also see the Gold State Coach which is used for Coronation and State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament. NOTE: As they may be on duty, undergoing training or having a well-deserved rest away from London, the horses are not always on view.