St James's Palace
Key Details
Overview
St James's Palace is in St James's, London SW1.
St. James's Palace, constructed primarily between 1531 and 1536, was a historic residence for English monarchs for over 300 years. Although it remains the official residence of the Sovereign, the reigning monarch has lived at Buckingham Palace since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837. The palace retains significance as High Commissioners present letters and Ambassadors are formally accredited to the Court of St. James's.
The palace's origins trace back to King Henry VIII, who commissioned its construction on the site of the Hospital of St. James in Westminster. Today, remnants of Henry VIII's red-brick construction, including the Chapel Royal, the gatehouse, turrets, and two well-preserved Tudor rooms within the State apartments, still stand.
Over time, the palace expanded to encompass four distinct courts: Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court, and Colour Court. The grand Tudor Gatehouse at the southern end of St. James's Street still displays Henry VIII's royal cypher HR, crowned, above the original foot passages to Colour Court.
St. James's Palace witnessed a succession of significant historical events and Royal inhabitants. Notably, Henry VIII's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, lived there before passing away in 1536 at the age of seventeen. Subsequently, it became known as St. James's House, hosting various Royals who played pivotal roles in English history.
Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, spent the night there after her coronation, leaving the initials HA intertwined in a lovers' knot on Tudor fireplaces in the State apartments.
The palace also played a role in significant historical events. In 1558, Mary Tudor signed the treaty surrendering Calais within its walls, and it served as the residence of Elizabeth I during the Spanish Armada crisis.
St. James's Palace holds the distinction of being the birthplace and baptismal site of future monarchs, including Charles II, James II, Mary of York (Mary II), Anne of York (Queen Anne), and James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender).
After the destruction of the Palace of Whitehall, all monarchs until William IV lived at St. James's Palace for part of their reigns.
In 1809, a fire ravaged much of the east and south ranges of the Palace, but by 1813, the State rooms were restored. During this period, the Prince Regent (later George IV) resided at Carlton House, while four of his brothers were granted houses within the Palace walls. Frederick, Duke of York, received Godolphin House (now Lancaster House), and William, Duke of Clarence (later William IV), was allocated Clarence House, which is was occupied by The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.
William IV was the last reigning Sovereign to use St. James's Palace as a residence. After his passing, Court functions continued in the State apartments, which had been expanded by Christopher Wren and adorned by William Kent. Some rooms underwent partial redecoration by William Morris. Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in the Chapel Royal in 1840 and court levées persisted at St. James's Palace until 1939.
Today, St. James's Palace remains a bustling working palace, hosting various events. The State Apartments serve as venues for entertaining during incoming State Visits, ceremonial occasions, and formal receptions for charitable events involving members of the Royal Family.
Within its walls, St. James's Palace houses various key offices, including the Royal Collection Department, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, the Chapel Royal, the Gentlemen at Arms, the Yeomen of the Guard, and the Queen's Watermen. Since January 2009, the Household Office of Prince William and Prince Harry has been headquartered at St. James’s Palace, although their official residence remains Clarence House.
St. James's Palace continues to play an important ceremonial role, hosting the Accession Council following the demise of a monarch and the proclamation of a new Sovereign by the Garter King of Arms from the Proclamation Gallery, which overlooks Friary Court.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Palace also served as the London residence of The Prince of Wales, Princess Royal, and Princess Alexandra. The St. James's Detachment of The Queen's Guard conducts daily guard duty in Friary Court.
The Queen's Chapel and Chapel Royal remain active places of worship, and within the palace environs.
Source: royal.gov.uk
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Bird's eye view of St James's Palace (approximate boundary).
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