description St. James's Palace Overview
St. James's Palace is a historic royal residence located in the City of Westminster, London. Commissioned by King Henry VIII and built primarily of red brick, the structure is a significant example of Tudor architecture. It served as the principal residence of the British monarch from 1698 until 1837, when Queen Victoria relocated to Buckingham Palace.
Although no longer the primary home of the sovereign, the palace remains the administrative center of the monarchy and hosts official royal functions.
help St. James's Palace FAQ
Why is the British royal court still called the Court of St. James's?
St. James's Palace remains the formal seat of the royal court even though monarchs have lived primarily at Buckingham Palace since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837. Foreign ambassadors are therefore accredited to the Court of St. James's.
Can visitors tour St. James's Palace?
The palace is a working royal residence and is not generally open for routine public tours. Visitors can see parts of its Tudor exterior from streets around St. James's and watch nearby ceremonial activity.
What happens at St. James's Palace after a monarch dies?
The Accession Council meets there to formally proclaim the new sovereign. King Charles III was proclaimed at St. James's Palace in September 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Who built St. James's Palace?
Henry VIII commissioned the palace in the 1530s on the site of a former hospital dedicated to Saint James. Surviving features include its red-brick gatehouse and the Chapel Royal.
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