Buckingham Palace is fairly new to having the sovereign living on the premises. It was only 185 years ago that Queen Victoria moved in on July 13, 1837. She was also one of the longest reigning queens, ruling the British Empire for 63 years!
The longest reigning monarch is Queen Elizabeth II who just celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, making it 70 years on the throne and counting.
Prior to Buckingham becoming the primary residence for the sovereign, St. James Place was the go to homestead. It's just a quarter mile down the street, and still home to the royals. This royal residence was built by the infamous King Henry VIII who famously chopped the heads off of two of his six wives! GULP!
