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Buckingham Palace re-opens to the public today

Summer 2012 Home Visit Exhibitions Learning Collection About

Buckingham Palace re-opens to the public today In this issue: Dazzling diamonds on display Diamonds exhibition publication New Souvenir Guide Diamond Jubilee clock Royal Day Out Limited-edition gift box Highlight Garden Tours Exclusive Evening Tours New Olympic display

Dazzling diamonds on display Over 10,000 diamonds are on display as Buckingham Palace re-opens to the public from today until 7 October. This year's special exhibition, Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration, shows the many ways in which these remarkable stones been used and worn by monarchs over the last 200 years, and includes a number of The Queen's personal jewels. Read more

Diamonds exhibition publication This lavishly illustrated book accompanies the special exhibition at Buckingham Palace. Each piece in the exhibition, including those incorporating stones from the famous Cullinan Diamond, is shown in exquisite detail. Many of the photographs have been newly commissioned for the publication. Buy now

New Souvenir Guide Brand new for 2012, this Souvenir Guide traces the history of the Palace from private family retreat to the headquarters of the British Monarchy that it is today. Through over 140 illustrations, it explores each of the magnificent State Rooms and the works of art that provide the backdrop to The Queen's official and ceremonial duties. Buy now Diamond Jubilee clock This very special clock has been commissioned by the Royal Collection in an edition of just 60. The enamelled face is decorated in 22-carat gold with the national flowers of the United Kingdom: the rose, the thistle, the daffodil and the shamrock.    Buy now

Royal Day Out This flexible discounted ticket gives admission to all three sites at Buckingham Palace - the State Rooms (including the special exhibition Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration), the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery. Book tickets Limited-edition gift box Make the gift of a Diamond Jubilee celebration at Buckingham Palace with our limited-edition ticket and Souvenir Album combination. The presentation Jubilee Gift Box contains our most sought-after tickets for the Summer Opening. Buy now

Highlight Garden Tours Now that summer has arrived, combine a visit to the State Rooms with a guided tour of the famous Buckingham Palace garden.  A ticket for the Highlights Garden Tour, which includes the beautiful Herbaceous Border and the enormous Waterloo Vase, is bookable online with a visit to the State Rooms or can be added to an existing booking by telephoning 020 7766 7300. Book tickets Exclusive Evening Tours There are just a few dates left this summer to enjoy an after-hours tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Don't miss the opportunity to book an Exclusive Evening Tour, which includes the special exhibition Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration and concludes with a glass of champagne in the Bow Room. Book tickets

New Olympic display A new addition to the tour of the State Rooms is a display in the Ballroom of photographs highlighting the involvement of the Royal Family in Olympic Games since 1908. It was in the Ballroom that The Queen hosted receptions for the International Olympic Committee and for the Heads of State and Government attending the Opening Ceremony of the XXX Olympiad, London 2012. Owing to the number of Olympic events in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace, we strongly recommend that visitors consult www.getaheadofthegames.com when planning their journey into and around London.