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Inside Queen Elizabeth $5 Billion Buckingham Palace

King Luxury28:31

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Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and it's no surprise why. The palace is not only the official residence of the British monarch but also a symbol of the country's rich history and culture. But what exactly makes Buckingham Palace worth so much money, and what secrets lie behind its walls? Well, stay with us as we take you on a journey inside Queen Elizabeth's billion-dollar Buckingham Palace and reveal some of its most fascinating secrets. But first, let's take a little detour to bring you up to speed about the palace itself.

Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is the official residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch in London. The palace has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 17th century. The site of the palace was originally a marshy land along the River Tyburn, owned by various nobles and monks over the centuries. In 1703, John Sheffield, the first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby, built a large townhouse on the property, which became known as Buckingham House.

Fast forward to 1761, and King George III bought Buckingham House for his wife, Queen Charlotte, and their children. He then commissioned a renovation of the house, which became known as the Queen's House. The house was mainly used as a private residence and a place for entertaining guests. In 1820, King George IV inherited the house and decided to transform it into a grand palace. And in 1837, Queen Victoria was the first Sovereign to use Buckingham Palace as her official residence. She, however, found the palace too small for her growing family and ordered another wing to be built along the garden front. She also moved the Marble Arch to Hyde Park and replaced it with a new gatehouse. Queen Victoria also installed many modern amenities in the palace, such as gaslighting, flushing toilets, and electric bells.

Ever since, Buckingham Palace has been the scene of many historic events and ceremonies. Today, it has 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, and 92 offices. It also has a ballroom, a chapel, a cinema, a swimming pool, and wait for it—a post office. The Buckingham Garden is also the largest private garden in London. However, one more interesting fact about this awesome Palace is that it is worth a staggering $5 billion. Yeah, you heard that right. Each year, during the majority of July to October, the state rooms—which is where official and state events are held—graciously open their doors to the public. With that said, let's now take a trip through this exquisite Palace to reveal some of its most fascinating secrets and, of course, the most expensive things owned by the late Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Two Penny Blue Mauritius stamp. Buckingham Palace has a collection of stamps from around the world, including one of the most valuable and rarest postage stamps in the world: the Two Penny Blue Mauritius stamp, also known as the "TPP Blue." This stamp was issued by the British colony of Mauritius in September 1847, along with an orange-red one-penny stamp. Both stamps had the words "Post Office" on them, which was later changed to "Post Paid" on subsequent issues. The Two Penny Blue stamp is part of the Royal Philatelic Collection, which belonged to Queen Elizabeth II and is housed in a special room at the palace. The Queen was also the fifth Monarch to inherit the Royal Philatelic Collection.

The Two Penny Blue stamp features the profile head of Queen Victoria, engraved by a local artist named Joseph Osman Barnard. He based his design on the British stamps of the time but gave them a distinct primitive character. Only 500 of each value were printed from a single plate, and many of them were used to send invitations for a ball hosted by the wife of the governor of Mauritius. This stamp is so rare that only a few dozen are known to exist today, and they are highly sought after by collectors. One of the places where you can see an original Two Penny Blue stamp is at Buckingham Palace, the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The Mauritius Post Office postage stamps have earned their place as some of the world's most prized treasures, thanks to their inclusion in the esteemed collections of renowned stamp enthusiasts such as Sir Ernest D Silva, Alfred F. Lonstein, and many others. So, over the years, their value skyrocketed, rendering them treasures of unparalleled worth in the philatelic world. In fact, back in 1904, King George V made history by acquiring an unused blue two-pence Post Office stamp at an auction, setting a remarkable world record with a winning bid of £1,450. Adjusting for inflation, that impressive sum would equate to approximately £170,000 in the year 2021. Also, in 2011, the most recent auction of one of these stamps saw it sell for approximately £1.05 million, which translates to an astonishing $1.7 million as of today. A mere 26 specimens of the Mauritius Post Office stamps remain in existence, comprising 14 one-penny stamps and 12 Two Penny stamps. The Two Penny Blue stamp is valued at £2 million in a collection worth more than £100 million. It is considered to be a masterpiece of philately and a symbol of Mauritius's colonial history. The Collection is not open to the public, but it is sometimes displayed at exhibitions or lent to museums.

The Mosaic Fabergé egg. Queen Elizabeth's Fabergé collection has more than 600 pieces, with one of the most iconic of all being the Mosaic Fabergé egg. The Mosaic Fabergé egg is a masterpiece of jewelry and art that was created by the famous Russian jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé, in 1914. It is one of the most intricate and expensive Fabergé eggs ever made. The Mosaic Fabergé egg was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia as a gift for his wife, Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna, for Easter celebrations in 1914. It was the last egg that the couple received before the outbreak of World War I and the Russian Revolution, which would end their reign and their lives. The egg is a symbol of their life and their family, as it contains a surprise inside.

The egg is made of platinum and gold, and it is divided into five oval panels with diamond and gold belts. The panels are decorated with a mosaic design of flowers made of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topazes, and garnets. The mosaic pieces are so small and precise that they resemble needlework or tapestry. At the top of the egg, there is a moonstone that reveals the year 1914 and the initials of the Empress in Russian characters. The surprise inside the egg is a removable miniature gold frame with relief profiles of the Tsar's children: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei. The frame is enameled with a sepia basket of flowers and the names and the year of each child. The frame rests on a gold stand in the shape of the royal crown and can be removed from the egg by gold clips. The portraits are made of guilloché enamel, a technique that uses different shades of gray to create a realistic effect.

The Mosaic Fabergé egg is one of the few Fabergé eggs that survived the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and remained intact. It was confiscated by the Bolsheviks in 1917 and sold by the Antikvariat, the Soviet agency in charge of selling confiscated treasures. The egg was then later sold to King George V and Queen Mary of England for £250 in 1933. Following this purchase, the egg became part of the Royal Collection and was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 when she became the Queen. The Mosaic egg continues to be a cherished part of the Royal Collection. The egg also graced a public exhibition from July to October 2011 as a highlight of the Royal Fabergé showcase during Buckingham Palace's summer opening, alongside other Fabergé eggs.

The Art Collection. The art collection of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most impressive and valuable in the world. In fact, the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace houses an abundance of priceless art, constituting the most extensive privately owned collection in existence, comprising a staggering 1 million objects. This extraordinary collection encompasses a unique diversity of treasures; among them are 7,000 paintings and more than 150,000 works on paper, including 30,000 watercolors and drawings. Additionally, there are around 450,000 photographs, along with a rich tapestry of 700,000 art pieces ranging from furniture, ceramics, and textiles to carriages, weaponry, jewelry, and more. This vast assortment also includes clocks, musical instruments, tableware, plants, manuscripts, books, and sculptures.

The history of the Queen's art collection can be traced back to the 16th century when King Henry VII began to acquire artworks from Europe and beyond. However, the most significant period of expansion was during the reign of King Charles I, who was an avid collector and patron of Italian and Flemish art. He amassed a spectacular collection of works by artists such as Van Dyck, Rubens, Holbein, Titian, and Mantegna, amongst others. Unfortunately, after his execution in 1649, his collection was sold off by the parliamentarians who opposed his rule. Many of these works ended up in foreign museums such as the Musée du Louvre in Paris and the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. Thankfully, some of the collection was later recovered by Charles II, who restored the monarchy in 1660. He also added new works by other artists, including the artworks given to him by the Dutch Republic. Since then, successive monarchs have continued to enrich the collection with their tastes and preferences. Queen Elizabeth also contributed to the collection with some modern and contemporary works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney. The collection also boasts over 50 masterful paintings by Canaletto, a mesmerizing work by Vermeer, a selection of exquisite Rembrandts, and more than 30 drawings by the genius behind the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci. She has also supported the conservation and display of the collection through various initiatives such as the Royal Collection Trust, which manages the collection on behalf of the monarchy and the nation.

The worth of the Queen's art collection is difficult to estimate accurately because it is not for sale and it has no market value. However, some experts have suggested that it could be worth around £10 billion or more, based on its size, quality, rarity, and historical significance. Approximately 3,000 objects are presently on loan to museums worldwide, while numerous others find temporary homes in exhibitions on a rotational basis.

Jewelry Collection. Queen Elizabeth amassed a vast and valuable collection of jewelry, crowns, tiaras, and other precious items that reflected her taste, heritage, and style during her reign. Some of these pieces of jewelry were passed down through generations, like her engagement ring and tiara; others were bestowed upon her by fellow royals and esteemed dignitaries; some she commissioned herself or had crafted by renowned jewelers. Among them, you'll find rare and one-of-a-kind gems, as well as elegant simplicity and dazzling sparkle.

One of the most iconic pieces of the Queen's jewelry collection is the Imperial State Crown. The Imperial State Crown is a symbol of the British monarch's power and has been worn by different kings and queens since the 15th century. The current version was made in 1937 and is used by a new monarch for the first time in the Royal procession after their coronation, which is done with the St. Edward's Crown. Subsequently, this illustrious Crown is then worn on state occasions such as the state openings of Parliament. It features 2,868 brilliant-cut diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, five rubies, and 273 pearls. The crown weighs 2.3 lbs, and the top cross is adorned with St. Edward's Sapphire, a jewel said to have been obtained from the ring of Edward the Confessor during his reinterment at Westminster Abbey in the year 1163.

The true worth of the Imperial State Crown has remained a topic of contention over the years, with no official appraisal on record. Any attempts to gauge its value are essentially guesswork. Nevertheless, experts have placed their estimations of the crown to be between a whopping £3 billion and £5 billion. Now, since the Imperial State Crown is only for state occasions during formal events including banquets, Queen Elizabeth II adorned herself with pieces from her extensive jewelry collection, which comprised over 300 exquisite items. Among these treasures were 98 brooches, 46 necklaces, 37 bracelets, 34 pairs of earrings, 20 regal tiaras, 15 rings, 14 timepieces, and five captivating pendants. These exquisite jewels are not the same as the Crown Jewels, which were made for Charles II and his successors. Some of the jewels were made for Queens who ruled or married Kings, but some Kings also added to the collection in more recent times. Queen Elizabeth II proudly donned these exceptional jewels during her tenure as the reigning monarch of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. These regal adornments found their way into official portraits specially commissioned for these Realms, which added a touch of grandeur and elegance to her role as The Sovereign.

Queen Victoria's Wedding Dress. Queen Victoria's wedding dress is one of the most iconic and influential garments in the history of fashion. It was worn by the young Queen on her wedding day to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha on February 10th, 1840, at the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace in London. The dress was made of heavy silk satin in a plain cream color, trimmed with a deep flounce and trimmings of Honiton lace, handmade in Devon, England. The dress also featured orange blossoms, a symbol of fertility, that adorned the skirt, the wreath on the Queen's head, and the bouquet she carried. The train of the dress, carried by her bridesmaids, measured 18 ft in length.

The choice of a white wedding dress was unusual and innovative at the time, as most royal brides favored dresses in bright colors or Brussels lace. Queen Victoria chose white to demonstrate her support for the British textile industry, especially the lacemaking cottage industry in Honiton. She also wanted to emphasize her simplicity and modesty as a bride rather than her status and wealth as a monarch. Before long, the white wedding dress soon became a popular trend among Victorian brides of all classes, as it symbolized purity, innocence, and romance. Interestingly, Queen Victoria has been credited with starting the tradition of white wedding gowns that persist to this day. Although she was not the first royal to be married in white, the wedding dress remained in the possession of Queen Victoria until her death in 1901. It was then inherited by her eldest son, King Edward VII, who passed it on to his son, King George V. The dress was then passed down several generations until it was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Victoria's wedding gown is no doubt a part of the Royal Family's heritage and history, and it has been passed down from monarch to monarch for over 180 years.

Earley Norton's Astronomical Clock. Earley Norton was a renowned clockmaker in London in the 18th century. He was known for his innovative and complex clocks, especially his astronomical clocks that displayed various celestial phenomena. One of his finest works is an astronomical clock that he made for King George III in 1765, who was an avid collector and patron of horology. The clock is now part of the Royal Collection Trust and is displayed in the library of Buckingham Palace.

The clock has four unique sides, each showing different aspects of time and astronomy. The front dial shows the time of day on a 24-hour dial with hands for mean and solar time. At the heart of this remarkable timepiece, a painted landscape adorned with figures captures the sun's journey across the sky, while a small dial simultaneously keeps track of time at 30 locations across the globe relative to Greenwich Mean. The hour hand completes a full rotation every 24 hours, while the minute hand revolves once an hour, either ahead or behind the equation hand, depending on the date. To ensure precision, the landscape rises during winter and lowers in summer, ensuring the sun consistently rises and sets at the precise time for that day of the year. At the pinnacle, a lunette meticulously records both the date and the month, which does not yet complete this ingenious display of timekeeping artistry.

Coming to the left side dial, this side of the clock shows the date on a large revolving dial in the center, below three smaller dials. On the upper right, you can see which day of the week it is; in the middle at the top, there's a dial showing the month; meanwhile, on the left, a dial controls how everything moves. This control system works from a plate positioned at a 90° angle to the main plates. The transfer of time happens through gears that power the back dial, which interestingly shows the age and phases of the moon and high and low tides at 32°N. The moon is represented by a globe in the arch; the tide, on the other hand, is indicated by a silver-painted wave that rises and falls according to a complex mechanism.

Lastly, there's the right side dial that shows an armillary sphere, or a model of the solar system. This side of the clock shows the position of the planets in their orbits according to the system of Copernicus, as they move around their orbits. Earley Norton's astronomical clock is beautifully housed in a mahogany case with silver and enamel dials and mounts. It has a three-train fusée-driven movement with a jeweled deadbeat escapement and an unusual offset crutch arm. The clock also features a pendulum at the back of the clock, behind the back dial. This one-of-a-kind clock is considered one of Norton's masterpieces and, of course, one of the most sophisticated astronomical clocks ever made.

200 Launer Bags. Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most influential and iconic figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Among the many elements that defined her royal look, one of the most recognizable was her handbag. The Queen was rarely seen without a Launer London purse hooked on her arm, whether she was attending a state visit, a royal tour, or a birthday celebration. She treated her handbags like an appendage, permanently in view, whatever the occasion. The Queen also often had it with her while strolling through Buckingham Palace's corridors or relaxing on the sofa to watch television.

Launer London is a British luxury leather goods company that was founded by Sam Launer in 1940. Launer specializes in making elegant and classic handbags with fine craftsmanship and quality materials. The company received a Royal Warrant in 1968, which meant that it was officially recognized as a supplier of goods to the Royal Family. In fact, Queen Elizabeth is reported to have received her very first Launer bag from her mother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in the 1950s. She was impressed by the design and durability of the bag and soon became a loyal customer of the brand. She commissioned Launer bags via her personal advisor and senior dresser, Angela Kelly, who would select the styles and colors that suited the Queen's outfits and preferences.

The Queen had two favorite models of Launer bags, namely the Royale and the Traviata. The Traviata costs more than $2,550, while the Royale comes in at the price of $2,242. She particularly favored these models thanks to their long handles. These bags were of patent leather, with every bag taking about 8 hours to make. They also came in various bright colors, but Her Majesty always preferred the black patent styles. The Queen liked to match her bags with her hats and coats, creating a coordinated and colorful look. She also liked to have some custom features on her bags, such as longer handles to avoid creasing her gloves, silk linings to match her outfits, or extra pockets to store her personal items.

The Queen's handbags were not just accessories; they were also tools of communication. The Queen used her bags to send subtle signals to her staff and guests, indicating when she wanted to end a conversation or leave an event. For example, if she placed her bag on a table, it meant that she wanted to leave within 5 minutes; and if she dropped her bag on the floor, it meant that she wanted to be rescued from a boring or unpleasant conversation. Well, that's a secret code I would love to have handy for my next outing with my friends.

The Queen's handbags were also repositories of secrets. The Queen never revealed what she kept inside her bags, but some sources have speculated that she carried some essential items such as a compact mirror, lipstick, a handkerchief, some mints, a fountain pen, and her reading glasses. She also reportedly carried some more unusual items such as a portable hook to hang her bag under tables. Although the actual worth of the Queen's collection of Launer bags is unknown, it is estimated to be worth around £400,000, but based on the average price of £2,000 per bag. Just like the late Monarch herself, her bags were witnesses to some of the most important events and moments of her reign, such as meeting world leaders, visiting foreign countries, and celebrating milestones. The Queen's collection of Launer bags is no doubt one of the most remarkable. Her bags were more than just handbags; they were companions for life.

The Royal Garden. When it comes to the topic of gardens, the Buckingham Palace Garden is an extraordinary example of a walled oasis in the middle of London. It covers about 16 hectares and boasts a rich diversity of plants, animals, and historical features. The garden dates back to the 17th century when James I established a plantation of mulberries for the rearing of silkworms on the site. However, the scheme failed because the wrong type of mulberry bush was chosen. Today, the garden boasts a diverse array of 45 mulberry tree varieties, and since the year 2000, it has proudly housed the National Collection of Mulberries.

The garden became part of the royal property in 1761 when George III bought Buckingham House as a private residence for his consort, Queen Charlotte. During their reign, the garden was home to a collection of exotic animals, including an elephant and one of the earliest zebras seen in England. The garden later underwent a major transformation in the 19th century when George IV converted Buckingham House into Buckingham Palace. The new design included a lake and an artificial high bank called the Mound, among other additions. Recent renovations of the garden in the 20th and 21st centuries also came with new features such as a tennis court. Also within the gardens' confines flourish 325 wild plant species, along with 30 species of breeding birds and a splendid canopy of over 1,000 trees. This arboreal wonderland comprises 98 majestic plane trees and a diverse assembly of 85 distinct oak species.

The Buckingham Palace Garden also acts as a refuge for London's rarely spotted native birds, including the common sandpiper, sedge warbler, and lesser whitethroat. The garden is not only a place of beauty and tranquility but also a venue for official entertainment and celebratory events. Among the garden's renowned gatherings are the garden parties, a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria's reign, where approximately 24,000 guests from diverse backgrounds are warmly invited each summer. Beyond these, the garden plays host to an array of events including concerts, receptions, investitures, and state visits.

The Royal Garden at Buckingham Palace is a unique and fascinating attraction that is open to the public for a limited period each year, usually from July to October. Visitors can explore the garden at their own pace or join a guided tour that covers some of the highlights of the garden. They also get to enjoy a picnic on one of the sweeping lawns overlooking the palace after the tour.

Chandeliers. Chandeliers are one of the most striking features of Buckingham Palace. The palace has an estimated 800 chandeliers throughout its 775 rooms, which include 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. The chandeliers are made of various materials such as crystal and glass, and they reflect different styles and periods of history.

The chandeliers in Buckingham Palace have a long and fascinating history dating back to the reign of King George IV in the early 19th century. George IV was a lavish spender and a patron of the arts who transformed Buckingham House into a grand palace with extensive renovations and additions. He commissioned several chandeliers from the leading manufacturers of the time, such as Parker and Perry. Maintaining these impressive lightings required huge manpower; this was why King George IV used more than 30 workers to keep the candles in chandeliers lit around the palace. These chandeliers were designed to impress and dazzle the guests at royal balls and banquets, and they still do so today.

One notable set of chandeliers in Buckingham Palace are those in the Throne Room, which was also created by George IV as a setting for his coronation banquet in 1821. The Throne Room has seven chandeliers that give off light equivalent to 3,000 candles. Other rooms in Buckingham Palace are also decorated with exquisite chandeliers. These light fixtures are also subject to regular maintenance and cleaning, which is a challenging and time-consuming task. The palace has a team of experts who take care of the chandeliers, using special techniques and equipment to ensure their safety and preservation. But thankfully, cleaning them is getting easier by the day. For example, the glass pieces are now modernized so that they can be effortlessly controlled using a remote. This allows them to be conveniently lowered and raised for cleaning purposes.

The chandeliers in Buckingham Palace are not only beautiful objects but also valuable assets. According to some estimates, the total worth of the chandelier collection in the palace is around millions of dollars. This figure is based on the rarity, quality, and historical significance of the chandeliers, as well as their size, weight, and number of pieces.

Queen Victoria's Gold Piano. Queen Victoria's gold piano in Buckingham Palace is an extraordinary piece of musical and artistic history that can be found in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. It also caused a buzz on social media when the public caught sight of the gold-gilded instrument in the background as the Queen delivered her annual Royal Christmas message. This piano is Queen Victoria's gold piano, made by P. & S. Erard, a French firm that was famous for producing high-quality pianos for many of the greatest composers and performers of the 19th century, such as Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Wagner. Erard was also known for inventing the double escapement action, which allowed rapid repetition of a single key and enabled more virtuosic playing.

Talking about the value of the piano, it is hard to place an estimate on it as the piano is a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted model masterpiece that has historical and sentimental significance. However, based on some comparisons with other Erard grand pianos from the same period, it could be worth around £138,000, which is equivalent to $175,000. The piano was made for Queen Victoria in 1856, as both she and her husband, Prince Albert, shared a love of music. They often played duets together on the piano and hosted musical guests such as Felix Mendelssohn, who was one of the Queen's favorite composers. Though the piano is not a standard model, it is a unique creation that tells tales of royal taste and style. It is made of mahogany, satinwood, and pine with brass and gilt bronze mounts. The case is gilded with gold leaf and painted by François Théodore Rosier, a miniature painter who worked for the Royal Family. The paintings depict cherubs and monkeys playing musical instruments and causing mischief, a style known as singerie. With the unique features and decorations on Queen Victoria's piano, it is safe to say that its price estimate does not take into account the artistic value of the paintings and the gilding, nor the royal provenance and association. Therefore, the actual value of the piano could be much higher.

Royal Corgis. The Royal Corgis were the Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs owned by Queen Elizabeth II and her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The Queen was very fond of corgis since she was a small child, having fallen in love with the corgis owned by the children of the Marquis of Bath. And throughout the years 1933 to 2018, the late Monarch owned at least one Corgi. She also owned more than 30 corgis from her accession in 1952 until she died in 2022.

The Royal Corgis gained worldwide fame and came to symbolize the British Monarchy. Even in their passing, these beloved dogs left an enduring legacy, with their images immortalized in various forms of art, including statues, professional photographs, and paintings. The first Royal Corgi was Dookie, who was brought home by King George VI in 1933. In fact, a photograph from George VI's photo album shows the late Queen when she was just 10 years old with Dookie and another early favorite Corgi named Jane at Balmoral. Following the death of Dookie at the start of World War II and Jane's death after she was accidentally run over and killed in 1944, Susan became the first Pembroke Welsh Corgi to belong solely to Elizabeth and also became the foundation of a royal breeding program. She received this new Corgi as a gift on her 18th birthday in 1944, the same year Jane died. The dog was officially registered as "Hickor Thrift Pipper," but everyone knew her as Sue, a name that eventually morphed into Susan.

The bond between Susan and Elizabeth grew so strong that Susan joined the Princess on her honeymoon with Prince Philip, concealed under blankets in the Royal Carriage. As an additional expression of her love for her pets, Queen Elizabeth also went as far as personally overseeing a program of Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeding at Windsor Castle. Her Majesty's meticulously bred purebred puppies proudly bore the Windsor Kennel name as part of their moniker. And interestingly, Susan became the ancestral matriarch to all of Queen Elizabeth's corgis.

The Queen's corgis were not only her pets but also her companions and confidants. They accompanied her on official trips, stayed with her at various residences, and greeted guests and dignitaries. The corgis also relished their privileged life within Buckingham Palace, where they had a specially designed room dedicated to their comfort, famously referred to as the "Corgi Room." In addition to this, the dogs had a disciplined regimen for their meals, health, and grooming. They were served in their own dishes, approved by veterinary experts, and even had their own wicker baskets.

The Royal Corgis were nothing short of celebrities, as they featured in various media and cultural events. They appeared on magazine covers, stamps, coins, and television shows. Three of the beloved Royal Corgis were also part of the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, where they escorted the Queen and James Bond to a helicopter that supposedly took them to the stadium. Besides her human family, Elizabeth is survived by two corgis, a Cocker Spaniel, and a dorgi. Which of these historical items in Queen Elizabeth's $5 billion Buckingham Palace do you find the most interesting? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Also, for more captivating videos like this, click on one of the cards currently displayed on your screen.