For many visitors to Buckingham Palace, the Grand Staircase will be one of their first views of the interior of the palace and provides a dramatic welcome to this iconic building. Historic portraits of members of the Royal Family line the sweeping staircase which leads guests towards the State Rooms where visitors might be attending a reception or State Banquet or receiving an honour from a member of the Royal Family.
Each year, more than 7,000 guests walk up the Grand Staircase in their way to Investitures, receptions and State Banquets held in the State Apartments.
