Buckingham Palace’s Grand Entrance and Staircase: A Regal Welcome to Every Guest

A tour of the Buckingham Palace begins by taking the grand staircase, which provides visitors with a dramatic welcome to this iconic building. As you take the steps, imagine that you’re also treading the path of the hundreds of famous and distinguished guests who have been invited to the palace since the time of King George IV. From the royal to the aristocratic, the wealthy and the famous, highbrow and lowly, any one who have had the privileged of being invited by the sovereign have also had the honor of climbing up the grand staircase.  

Historic portraits of members of the Royal Family are hung on the walls of the sweeping staircase, leading guests to the State Rooms during a reception, State Banquet or when invited to receive an honour from a member of the Royal Family.

A sovereign paying a state visit to the United Kingdom is welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II at the Grand Hall on the first day of the said visit. An opulent and spectacular scene, footmen and porters are in service in their scarlet cloaks, gold livery and top hats. The Queen’s guards are also in attendance in burnished steel breastplates and plumed helmets.