The Buckingham Palace balcony is one of the most famous balconies in the world.
Following the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminister Abbey, the King and Queen returned to Buckingham Palace, stepping out onto the balcony and looking out over the gates and the vast crowd of royal supporters below who gathered along The Mall to witness the spectacle of the Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast.
In the lead up to the Coronation, staff were photographed making preparations on the famous balcony, including cleaning the windows, vacuuming the floor and draping the balcony with a crimson red fabric adorned with yellow-gold tassels.
'It's very nice to see the balcony back in action because actually that's been a building site on the other side of those windows for the last year. They've had to put floorboards down today just to get everybody out there,' said journalist Robert Hardman, speaking on BBC's coverage of the Coronation at Buckingham Palace.
On the balcony, the King and Queen were joined by Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis. Princess Anne and Prince Edward, plus some of Camilla's grandchildren were also present.
What room is behind the balcony at Buckingham Palace?
Previously the Tapestry Drawing Room but now known as The Centre Room, this small sitting room opens onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It's a private part of the Palace and not accessible to the public.
When was the balcony added to Buckingham Palace?
In February 1845, eight years after ascending the throne, Queen Victoria wanted more space in Buckingham Palace for accommodation and entertaining. Landscape architect Edward Blore was instructed to prepare plans for a new wing. Following the sale of Brighton Pavilion in 1846, the proceeds (£53,000) were used to fund the works. The most significant element of the new East Wing was the central balcony on the new main façade, which was incorporated at Prince Albert's suggestion.
When was the first Buckingham Palace balcony appearance?
The first recorded royal balcony appearance took place in 1851. Queen Victoria stepped onto the balcony during celebrations for the opening of the Great Exhibition. Royal balcony appearances often mark momentous occasions, including Royal Weddings and annually at Trooping the Colour.
The balcony also had a makeover
During the reign of King George V, the effects of smog and soot of industrial London had darkened the mid-19th century Caen stone façade of Buckingham Palace. As a result it was refaced in harder-wearing Portland stone, which was also more coheshive with the colouring of the Victoria Memorial monument that stood at the main gate.
The Portland stone façade, completed in 1914, is the most recognisable view of the Palace today. It overlooks The Mall and features one of the most familiar sights: the famous balcony where members of the royal family appear on special occasions.
The late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II made her last Buckingham Palace balcony appearance at the end of 2022's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, marking one of her final farewells to the public before her death in September 2022 aged 96.
Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.
Coronation gifts 2023: from flowers to tea towels
Personalised King Charles Iii Coronation Souvenir Tin
These mini trinket tins – ideal for jewellery, small sweets and everything in between – make wonderful gifts. Better still, each tin can be engraved to make it truly unique. Choose from five different templates.
Emblazoned with regal crown patterns and the words 'hip hip hooray', this mug will look delightful on your dining table and in your display cabinet.
Made from 100 per cent recycled board, this special collector's edition (a 1,000 piece montage puzzle) portrays the tradition and grandeur of the Coronation ceremony. Bring this out post-afternoon tea for a relaxing way to unwind.
This laser cut acrylic medal is a lovely way to commemorate King Charles' Coronation. The medal, adorned with the official emblem, is supplied with a red satin ribbon. It's attached to a textured card which includes a name and age, making it a lovely keepsake.
A new creation from Gin In A Tin, and made in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, is this aptly named Coronation Gin.
It's described as a smooth crisp gin with juniper at the forefront, with citrus notes of lemon and orange, finished with subtle notes of cardamom.
Coronation Celebration Delphinium & Peony Bouquet (Delivery from 2nd May 2023)
M&S has launched a 14-stem floral arrangement to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Inspired by the red, white and blue of the Union Jack, this bouquet includes a vibrant selection of delphinium, peony, stock and greenbell, plus the aptly named Coronation Rose, grown and bred exclusively for M&S. You can also buy Coronation bud vases if you prefer.
Fortnum & Mason's elegant cotton tea towel – decorated in its signature Eau de Nil colour – features 13 crowns, which is a reference to F&M's service to each of the 13 monarchs of Great Britain since 1707, the year of its foundation.
With a webbed handle, this 100 per cent cotton commemorative tote bag is strong as well as spacious. This reusable bag is also available to buy at Waitrose.
What more could you want as you settle in to watch the Coronation from the comfort of your home? This mini gift box includes yummy Coronation macarons and a mini bottle of Prosecco.
This limited-edition earthenware plate from Spode displays a traditional coat of arms and is complemented by a regal royal blue floral border.
Coronation 'Delphinium Crown' A4 Limited Edition Print in blue
This gorgeous A4 print celebrates King Charles III's favourite flower, the delphinium, depicted in the shape of a crown. The print comes with gold ink lettering, hand-signed and numbered and with a Limited Edition print certificate. Place it in a photo frame and prop it up on a desk or shelving unit.
This celebratory Coronation bouquet features striking fragrant purple blooms (including irises and stocks) mixed with yellow and orange bi-coloured tulips. The gift set is complete with English breakfast tea and all butter shortbread, both in collectable commemorative tins.
Exclusive to F&M and handcrafted from fine bone china, this bauble is handmade by talented artisans in the heart of the English Potteries. The tapestry design combines tea leaves from the camellia sinensis plant with elements from the Royal Oak tree, a symbol of the British monarchy dating back to the 17th century. It's monogrammed with the date of the King's Coronation.
Ulster Weavers King Charles III Coronation Kitchen Apron
Here, a traditional design has been brought into the 21st century with stylised shapes and a muted colour palette. The foliage reflects Charles' love of nature and gardening, while the bees depict his passion for collecting honey on his country estate.
This pure cotton throw truly captures the patriotic spirit with an all-over Union Jack print. It's given a playful, feminine touch with floral patterns and multicoloured fringe edges.
This luxury 100 per cent organic cotton tea towel is bustling with Royal-themed features, from St. Edward's Crown to icons showing King Charles' passion for the outdoors and music.
You can't go wrong with a chocolate gift. Beautifully presented in a mini box, inside you'll find six crown-shaped organic milk chocolates, filled with a hazelnut praline centre.
This stylish recycled cotton tote bag is in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II. 'This commemorative tote bag pays respect to her memory through the embroidered years of her life, as well as a crown surrounded by an elegant wreath,' say Harrods.
