The east wing encompasses the front facade of the London Palace. (document)
The British royal family revealed on Wednesday that restricted areas of two of its most famous palaces would be temporarily opened to visitors, including the east wing of Buckingham Palace and its famous balcony.
The Royal Collection Trust said public guided tours of the wing will be available for the first time from mid-July to August, following more than five years of improvement works.
It is the department of the Crown responsible for managing the public access to the official residence of King Charles III.
The east wing encompasses the front facade of the London Palace and houses the central balcony, where the monarch and other members of the royal family have gathered for public appearances since 1851 on special occasions or historical moments.
Tickets for the tour must be purchased together with admission to the stateroom, and the total price for adults is £75 (US$95).
Meanwhile, this summer visitors will be able to see parts of Balmoral Castle used by the Scottish royal family for the first time.
Located deep in the Scottish Highlands, the castle was said to be the favorite royal residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022.
Previous tours will continue, focusing mainly on the courtyards and gardens, with access to the castle limited to the ballroom.
But the castle’s website said Wednesday that guided tours of “several beautiful rooms” inside will be available from early July through August 4.
“You’ll learn about the castle’s origins and how it has been loved by generations of royals,” it adds.
Tickets cost £100 or £150 including afternoon tea and are limited to 40 per day and will sell out quickly.
The tour ends in early August, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla usually arrive at the estate to enjoy the monarch’s summer vacation.
Over the weekend, Charles attended an Easter service at Windsor Castle, west London, in his most high-profile public appearance since revealing his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Buckingham Palace announced in February that he would suspend all public engagements while he underwent unspecified cancer treatment.
This was detected after he was admitted to hospital for surgery for a benign prostate condition.
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