Buckingham Palace Tour: The Green Drawing Room

Buckingham Palace west facade. Image from Flickr

As head of state, Queen Elizabeth II has a role to play in the country’s diplomacy. It is she who welcomes heads of state to Buckingham Palace during state visits and on less formal occasions. She also meets ambassadors before they are sent to their overseas posts, sharing with them her many years of experiences and wide knowledge in international affairs. Ambassadors from other countries are also welcomed at Buckingham Palace where they present their credentials to Queen Elizabeth II when they first arrive in London.

Every December, a diplomatic reception is hosted by the Queen and it is considered as the largest annual reception at Buckingham Palace. The invitees are ambassadors and high commissioners from about 130 countries with foreign missions in London. A guest would usually don his or her national costume, adding color and variety to this glittering affair. The palace’s Green Drawing Room and the adjoining staterooms serve as venues for the drinks, while the more formal buffet supper is held at the palace ballroom. Dancing would follow at the Ball Supper Room.

The green drawing room owes its name from the green silk damask installed on the walls. In 1834, QueenAdelaide wanted to provide employment to poverty-stricken people of Ireland so she ordered green silk damasks from this part of the kingdom. Every 30 years, these damasks are replaced and the walls in this room have always been green, with matching curtains and upholstery, as well as the delicate  green Sevres vases painstakingly selected to completed with the walls. Blue ground vases are also displayed to match the room’s color scheme.