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Back in 1993, Buckingham Palace threw open its gates to allow visitors for the first time in its 314-year history. Needing to fund renovations at Windsor Castle after a devastating fire ripped through the royal residence in 1992 and causing more than £36 million (approximately $61 million) worth of damage, Queen Elizabeth II gave her permission to allow visitors into the palace, with tickets selling out three years in advance as soon as they went on sale.
The palace opens for 10 weeks each summer while the queen removes to Balmoral in Scotland, but the palace gardens have always remained closed to the public. The space was only used by the royal family, along with their guests, most notably during the three annual garden parties hosted each summer during which the queen recognises those who have made contributions to the military, community, arts, education and more.