One of London"s most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain"s sovereigns since 1837. It boasts 775 rooms, including no fewer than 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms and 19 State Rooms. Though the Palace is furnished and decorated with priceless works of art, it is neither an art gallery nor a museum, but a working building and the centrepiece of Britain"s constitutional monarchy. Although in use for many official events, receptions and Royal ceremonies, the State Rooms are open to visitors every year. In this Painting, set in mid-June, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are seen leaving the Palace for the Trooping of the Colour, on the occasion of the Queen"s official birthday, an event which attracts thousands of visitors every year. This custom dates back to King Charles 2nd in the 17th Century, when the colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle. The ceremony is carried out by the Queen"s personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guard"s Parade, where the Queen attends and takes the salute. Since 1987 the Queen has ridden in an open carriage, rather than riding side-saddle and wearing the regimental uniform, as she did on 36 occasions following her accession to the throne. After the event the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an RAF fly past. As with all Gibsons jigsaws, the beautifully illustrated pieces are made from the highest quality 100% recycled board and therefore a pleasure to work with again and again.