Editor’s Note: This post is part of a new series where we take a victory lap back to the early days of Commonplace Fun Facts. When we first started, we leaned heavily on short, punchy trivia nuggets—kind of like intellectual Tic Tacs. But as our blog evolved (and we gradually started to realize what we were supposed to be doing), so did our appetite for digging deeper. So, we’re dusting off some of those early topics and giving them the full, overly enthusiastic treatment they deserve. First up: a royal deep dive into Buckingham Palace, supplementing this article from October 22, 2014.

Welcome to the World’s Most Luxurious Office Space

If your idea of a job with perks is limited to the occasional free donut, allow us to introduce you to Buckingham Palace—the crown jewel of workplace perks. Sure, your job may award you a Jelly of the Month Club membership if you have worked there for 25 years, but that’s not quite the same as having full access to a place like this. It has 775 rooms, including a throne room, a ballroom, a swimming pool, and its own post office. Admittedly, we’d definitely love the Jelly of the Month Club membership, but we bow in humility to this royal occupational perk.

Located in the heart of London, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since Queen Victoria made it her preferred place to hang her crown in 1837. Before that time, St. James Palace was the official residence. Although it is still the ceremonial home of the monarch (all ambassadors are appointed to the Court of St. James, for example), it is Buckingham Palace that is now primarily associated with the reining monarch.

When Queen Victoria first set her eyes on it, it was just a humble house. A “Buckingham House,” in fact, built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. In 1761, King George III acquired it as a cozy little pad for Queen Charlotte. That’s right—back then it was just a private home, the equivalent of buying a modest fixer-upper that just so happens to now be worth about $5 billion.

775 Rooms. Yes, Really.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer real estate audacity of this place. Buckingham Palace has:

• 19 state rooms
• 52 royal and guest bedrooms
• 188 staff bedrooms
• 92 offices
• 78 bathrooms

That’s enough square footage to make even the most ambitious real estate agent weep tears of pure commission.

And no, the King doesn’t spend his evenings roller skating through all 775 rooms (although, how delightful would that be?). Many of those rooms are for staff or official business. The state rooms, for example, are used for ceremonial events and entertaining heads of state—because nothing says “Welcome to Britain” like sipping tea in a room with enough gold leaf to blind a Bond villain.

There’s a Pool. And a Post Office. And a Police Station.

One of the Palace’s most underappreciated features is its collection of totally normal amenities that happen to be in the least normal place imaginable. For example:

• A swimming pool, because even royalty needs to practice the doggy paddle.
• A post office, allowing residents and staff to send royal thank-you notes at lightning speed — each envelope conveniently bearing the image of the principal resident on its postage stamp.
• An on-site doctor’s surgery—the British version of a medical clinic—fully equipped in case the stress of wearing the crown becomes too much.
• A chapel, a cinema, and even a staff bar—if you’re stressed, at least one of those amenities should help.
• A police station, just in case anyone other than the king decides to go roller skating down the hallways.

Who Actually Lives There?

Technically, Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official London residence, but it’s not necessarily their full-time hangout. Queen Elizabeth II, for example, spent more time at Windsor Castle during her later years. King Charles III is reportedly not overly fond of the Palace as a personal residence and may continue that trend. That said, when major state functions roll around—think lavish banquets or awkward diplomatic small talk—the Palace is the go-to venue.

Approximately 800 staff members work at Buckingham Palace. There’s a hierarchy of servants so intricate that even “Downton Abbey” would need a flowchart. Positions range from chefs and footmen to the Keeper of the Privy Purse, which sounds like a medieval bathroom attendant but is actually the royal accountant.

But Can You Visit?

Yes, and you don’t even have to marry into the royal family to do it. For several weeks during the summer, the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are open to the public. Visitors can walk the same halls where history has unfolded and try not to trip over any priceless rugs. The Throne Room is a highlight, though be advised: sitting on the throne is strongly discouraged, unless you enjoy getting tackled by a man in a bearskin hat.

Not Without a Bit of Drama

Despite all its opulence, Buckingham Palace has not always been a fairy tale castle. It was bombed nine times during World War II, with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) famously staying in the Palace during the Blitz as a symbol of resilience. Take that, Luftwaffe.

More recently, it’s been the backdrop for royal weddings, family drama, and a few very bold intruders. In 1982, a man named Michael Fagan actually managed to break into the Queen’s bedroom. Twice. The security review afterward can best be described as “thorough.” Apparently having your own police station in your home doesn’t exempt you from such things.

It’s Good to Be the Monarch

Buckingham Palace is more than just a big, fancy house. It’s a symbol of continuity, tradition, and very intense upholstery. It has weathered wars, welcomed dignitaries, and, perhaps most importantly, housed generations of royal corgis.

So the next time you grumble about your small apartment or open-concept office, just remember: at least your bathroom isn’t down the hall, past the ballroom, left at the throne room, and two doors past the gold-plated harpsichord. Perspective, people.

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