Buckingham Palace, founded in 1703, is the residence of the British Royal Monarchy (the Queen and her extended family) and offers the perfect setting for special occasions such as weddings, tea parties and the changing of the guard. One of the most significant buildings in the world is Buckingham Palace. This building is visited by over 50,000 people every year for banquets and royal events (NWE 1). Representing the British Empire, the palace symbolizes the British Royal Family (NWE 1). They built it for the Duke of Buckingham (EBP 1). In 1761, George III wanted to purchase the house for his wife, Queen Charlotte, to have a home near St. James Palace. Many court occasions took place here. Some of these court occasions included official receptions, royal weddings, and christenings. The people called this house the Queen's House (Story 1). In 1762, the king wanted the house to be renovated according to strict requirements. Work began on and used Sir William Chambers' designs. As the work continued, the king's decision changed. He wanted to turn the house into a grand palace. He did this with the help of John Nash (Building 1). Many changes occurred in the palace. During the 1800s they expanded Buckingham Palace. A bomb hit the building during the Second World War, hitting a room that became the Queen's Gallery in 1962 (EBP 1). During the 1820s, the house's name officially became Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria, the first resident of the Palace in 1837, lived there during the period of her accession to the Palace (40 facts 1). Buckingham Palace, therefore, became the London seat of the kingdom in the city of Westminster. The monarch uses it as his headquarters and for many special occasions. Buckingham......half the paper......and over 20,000 sandwiches and 25,000 cups of tea (BH 2). The Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt, added to Buckingham Palace in 1911, along with gates and railings (40 facts 1). The changing of the guard takes place at 11.30am. This ceremony occurs when the “New Guard” replaces the soldiers who have been serving at Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace (40 facts 3). Buckingham Palace guards can remain in battle gear for quite some time (US WR 2). This ceremony also draws large crowds to Buckingham Palace (NWE 6). Described as a functioning building, Buckingham Palace serves as the hub of the British monarchy (Palace 1) and home to the Queen. It also serves as the office for the Head of State. Over 800 members of staff work at Buckingham Palace. Their jobs include cleaning, catering, watchmaker and flag bearer (40 facts 1).