London, the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns, was originally a town house owned by the Dukes of Buckingham. King George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to take up residence in July 1837. The Palace is furnished with fine works of art from the Royal Collection including paintings by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The State Rooms are open to the public each year in August and September, the Royal Mews is open throughout the year. The Queen’s Gallery is currently closed for redevelopment and will reopen on 22nd May 2002.