When you first approach Buckingham Palace through the streets of London, it's hard not to feel a bit underwhelmed. The building sits there, almost stubbornly grey against the sky, without the fairy-tale towers you might expect from a royal residence. But that's exactly what makes it fascinating – this is a working palace, not a museum piece.

The whole thing started as a townhouse back in 1703, built for the Duke of Buckingham. George III bought it in 1761 as a more private spot for Queen Charlotte, away from the formal court ceremonies. It wasn't until Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 that it became the official London home of British monarchs. The palace you see today is largely the result of 19th-century expansions, when architects John Nash and Edward Blore added those three wings around the central courtyard.

What strikes me most about visiting Buckingham Palace is how it manages to be both grandiose and surprisingly intimate. The State Rooms, which open to visitors during summer months when the royals head to Scotland, showcase that distinctive early 19th-century interior design with bright scagliola and elaborate decorations. The rooms feel lived-in rather than sterile, which makes sense considering this is still very much a working residence.

The famous balcony where the royal family appears during major events is part of the East Front, added in the late 19th century. Standing in front of it, you realize how many historical moments have played out right there. Even the palace chapel has its own wartime story – it was destroyed by a German bomb during World War II, and the King's Gallery now stands in its place, displaying works from the Royal Collection since 1962.

Discover all the secrets of Buckingham Palace with our comprehensive London audio guide to get the full story behind those 775 rooms and 79 bathrooms. The changing of the guard at 11:01 am draws crowds, but honestly, the real magic is in understanding how this building evolved from a private house into the heart of the British monarchy. It's not the most beautiful palace in the world, but it's undeniably the most important one in Britain.