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Henry VIII on the site
of the former St James Hospital built the palace dating from the
1530’s, for lepers. For more then 300 years this remained one of
the senior palaces. A reminder of this is the fact that new
ambassadors present their credentials to the court of St James.
Used as a residence by many monarchs including Elizabeth I,
James I, Charles Charles II and I. Queen Mary (Henry VIII's
daughter) died here and Charles I spent his last night here
before being executed.
In 1952 Queen
Elizabeth II made her first speech as Queen from here. Prince
Charles has an apartment and offices here along with privileged
crown servants.
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In the Queens Chapel
opposite the Palace, Princess Diana, laid in rest before her
funeral, as did more recently Princess Margaret.
There is a guard outside the Gatehouse, which is ideal if you
wish to have your picture taken beside one. They also change the
guard here in a ceremony that is overlooked by many tourists. |
