Buckingham Palace

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London home of the British sovereign, it stands at the west end of St James's Park. The original Buckingham House, begun in 1703 for the 1st Duke of Buckingham, was sold to George III in 1761. George IV obtained a parliamentary grant for its repair and enlargement, but instead he and the architect, John Nash, began a new building (1821–26). The palace was incomplete at George IV's death in 1830, when Nash was displaced by Edward Blore, who reputedly covered most of Nash's work. The Queen's Gallery presents exhibitions of portions of the royal collections, and the state rooms and Royal Mews are also open to visitors.

The bird of paradise represents liberty. The Southern Cross recalls the country's links with Australia. Effective date: 16 September 1975. >>