St James's Palace is one of the oldest palaces in London. Although British monarchs have not lived in it for over two centuries, it continues to be considered the official residence of the Queen, and foreign ambassadors are accredited "to St James's Court", although they present their credentials to Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
The palace was built in 1531-36 by Henry VIII on the site of the former leprosarium, St James's Hospital. The Tudor-style red brick building served as London's second palace, the main one at the time being Whitehall. After a fire in 1698 destroyed Whitehall, the official residence was moved to St James's Palace, although it was clearly too small for this purpose, and the royal court complained about the cramped and unsuitable palace.
In 1837, on the accession of Queen Victoria, the royal residence was moved to Buckingham Palace.
St James's Palace is now a working palace, although the Queen herself does not live there. It is the official London residence of Princess Anne, Princess of Great Britain and Princess Alexandra, Noble Lady Ogilvie (respectively the Queen's daughter and cousin).
The palace is closed to the public, but the Queen's Chapel is sometimes open. The palace is guarded by Royal Guards in red uniforms and bear hats.
