Visiting royal residences in the U.K. where

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Visiting royal residences in the U.K.
On April 29, Catherine "Kate" Middleton will wed Britain’s Prince William at Westminster Abbey in London. Since the announcement of their engagement, many tours have been set up to look at places associated with Middleton and to highlight primary destinations for the wedding day.


Country tours visit places such as St. Andrew’s Church in Bradfield (where Middleton was baptized) and the Old Boot Inn in Stanford Dingley (where she and William are said to have a pint while visiting her parents in nearby Bucklebury).


City tours pass the ritzy Mahiki nightclub, St. James’s Palace (the residence of princes William and Harry), Garrard Jewelers and Westminster Abbey.


But what happens after the wedding, once the fairy tale starts? Here are the official residences in which the British royal family lives and entertains. They’re open to the public while family members are not in residence.


ENGLAND


Windsor


Nearly 1,000 years ago, William the Conqueror selected the site of Windsor Castle. Since then, it has been inhabited, altered and refurbished by successive monarchs and remains a working residence. By the 1740s, 10-hectare Windsor Castle had become a tourist attraction.


From October to March, visitors can see King George IV’s private apartments, and during August and September, the East Terrace is open. Highlights include a visit to St. George’s Chapel - where the tombs of 10 sovereigns are located, including Henry VIII - and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.


A typical visit lasts two to three hours.


MORE INFORMATION: royalcollection.org.uk


London


Buckingham Palace has been the primary residence of the British monarch since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. The state rooms, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each August and September. The forecourt is used for the Changing of the Guard, which takes place every other day in winter months and daily during the summer.


The Tower of London, whose construction began in the 11th century, has been used as a fortress, royal palace and prison. Since 1303, it has been the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom - which have been on public display since 1669. The tower is open to the public daily.

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Kensington Palace, in Kensington Gardens, has been a residence of the royal family since the 17th century. Once the official home of Princess Diana, the palace was the boyhood home of William and Harry - who went to local nursery and pre-preparatory schools in nearby Notting Hill. Today, state rooms with displays are open to the public daily.


MORE INFORMATION: visitlondon.com


Norfolk


Sandringham House has been the private home and country retreat for royals since 1862. The queen and other members of the family regularly spend Christmas at Sandringham and make it their official base until February each year.


The museum, house and gardens are open to the public daily April 23-Oct. 30 this year. The museum contains royal vehicles, ceramics, photographs and memorabilia. It is recommended that visitors allow three to four hours to see everything.


MORE INFORMATION: sandringhamestate.co.uk


SCOTLAND


Edinburgh


Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Situated at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, the residence is used for state ceremonies and entertaining. The palace was the principal residence for the kings and queens of Scotland - including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there between 1561 and 1567 - and is often associated with Scotland’s turbulent past.


The palace is open year-round. The Queen’s Gallery has an exhibition of works from the Royal Collection.


MORE INFORMATION: royalcollection.org.uk


Ballater


Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, Balmoral Estate has been the monarch’s Scottish home ever since. Unlike Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace – which are owned by Britain - Balmoral Estate is part of the monarch’s personal property and is privately managed on the queen’s behalf.


The estate grounds, gardens and the Castle Ballroom are open to visitors from April through July. Winter guided tours are available during late October, November and early December.


The royal family is in residence during August, September and early October, during the Summer Opening at Buckingham Palace.

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Buckingham Palace, a stop along the "Will and Kate Royal Wedding Walk" taking tourists through central London.