St James's Palace, Royal palace in Westminster, England
St James's Palace displays red Tudor brick facades and consists of several courtyards, state rooms, and ceremonial areas spread across the grounds in central London. The building combines residential towers with reception halls and a chapel, all connected through paved courtyards.
Henry VIII ordered the construction of the palace between 1531 and 1536 on the site of a former hospital dedicated to Saint James the Less. The residence became the official seat of the British monarchy after the fire at Whitehall Palace in 1698.
The palace serves as the ceremonial court of the British monarchy, where foreign ambassadors present their credentials to the Crown. Members of the royal family use the state apartments for official receptions and diplomatic meetings throughout the year.
The palace remains closed to visitors as it functions as an active royal residence and administrative center for the British royal family. The outer gates and guardhouses can be viewed from the street, particularly along Pall Mall and Marlborough Road.
The Proclamation Gallery at the palace serves as the location where new monarchs are formally announced to the nation. The oldest surviving part is the gatehouse with its octagonal tower bearing the initials of Henry VIII.
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