Have you ever wondered how royalty really lives? Royal palaces aren’t just homes—they’re living museums filled with centuries of history, priceless art, and unimaginable luxury.
From European castles to Middle Eastern palaces, these spectacular residences showcase the ultimate in wealth and power.
Peek behind the velvet ropes for a glimpse into the most opulent royal homes around the world.
1. Buckingham Palace
Standing majestically in London’s heart, Buckingham Palace boasts 775 rooms including 52 royal bedrooms and 78 bathrooms. Gold leaf accents adorn nearly every ceiling while priceless artwork lines the corridors.
Behind its iconic facade lies a private cinema, swimming pool, and doctor’s office. The throne room, arguably the most photographed space, features crimson velvet and intricate gold detailing fit for coronations.
2. Windsor Castle
Sprawling across 13 acres, Windsor Castle ranks as the oldest continuously inhabited castle worldwide. Queen Elizabeth II considered it her favorite weekend retreat, where the Semi-State Rooms dazzle with their vibrant colors.
After surviving a devastating 1992 fire, the meticulously restored St. George’s Hall now showcases a magnificent hammer-beam ceiling adorned with the shields of Knights of the Garter. Royal banquets here accommodate up to 160 guests.
3. Palace of Versailles
Once a humble hunting lodge, Louis XIV transformed Versailles into the epitome of royal extravagance. The Hall of Mirrors stretches 73 meters, lined with 357 mirrors that once represented ultimate luxury.
Sunlight streams through arched windows, dancing across gilded statues and crystal chandeliers. The king’s bedchamber occupies the palace’s center, symbolizing how the Sun King positioned himself as France’s absolute center. Every morning, courtiers would gather to watch him wake.
4. Royal Palace of Madrid
Commissioned by King Philip V, Madrid’s royal palace contains a staggering 3,418 rooms, making it Europe’s largest functioning royal palace. Musicians covet the palace’s collection of Stradivarius instruments, including two violins, a cello, and a viola.
Gasping visitors encounter the Porcelain Room, where walls and ceiling disappear beneath Chinese-inspired porcelain decorations. The Royal Armory houses one of the world’s finest collections of ceremonial weapons, including Charles V’s tournament armor.
5. Stockholm Palace
Visitors gawking at the royal apartments might spot King Carl XVI Gustaf working in his office – this palace functions as both residence and workplace. Five museums within its walls showcase everything from royal costumes to Venetian state carriages.
Marvel at the Hall of State with Queen Christina’s silver throne, a masterpiece containing 20kg of solid silver. Daily changing of the guard ceremonies draw crowds year-round, while the Treasury beneath houses Sweden’s crown jewels in a vault worthy of a spy movie.
6. Amalienborg Palace
Comprised of four identical classical mansions arranged around an octagonal courtyard, Amalienborg offers a unique royal living arrangement. Queen Margrethe II occupies Christian IX’s Palace while Crown Prince Frederik’s family resides in Frederik VIII’s Palace.
Winter guests might catch the royal family waving from balconies during New Year celebrations. Inside Christian VII’s Palace, the Knight’s Hall dazzles with its trompe l’oeil ceiling painting creating the illusion of a domed roof – a masterful optical illusion.
7. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Nestled at Edinburgh’s Royal Mile end, Holyroodhouse harbors Scotland’s most dramatic royal history. Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers remain virtually unchanged since 1566 when her secretary was murdered there by jealous nobles.
Wandering through the Great Gallery feels like stepping into a royal yearbook – 89 Scottish monarchs stare down from portraits commissioned by Charles II. Royal Week visitors might glimpse Queen Elizabeth’s famous garden parties taking place on the palace grounds.
8. Al Alam Palace
Flanked by two Portuguese forts, Al Alam’s striking gold and blue pillared facade creates an unforgettable first impression. Sultan Qaboos modernized this ceremonial palace, blending Islamic and contemporary design elements into a breathtaking whole.
Gold-leafed ceilings soar above marble floors inlaid with intricate geometric patterns. While closed to public tours, glimpses through the gates reveal a central ceremonial avenue lined with perfectly manicured gardens leading to the vibrant mushroom-shaped columns of the main entrance.
9. Istana Nurul Iman
Claiming the title of world’s largest residential palace, this golden-domed wonder spans 2.2 million square feet with 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s private residence features a garage housing over 110 luxury cars.
Marble imported from Italy and chandeliers from England create an atmosphere of unparalleled opulence. Gilded everything—from bathroom fixtures to stable doors—reflects the sultan’s oil wealth. A banquet hall can seat 4,000 guests, while the mosque accommodates 1,500 worshippers.
10. Qasr Al Watan
Opened to the public only in 2019, Abu Dhabi’s “Palace of the Nation” mesmerizes with its brilliant white granite and limestone exterior. Stepping inside the Great Hall reveals a massive dome measuring 37 meters in diameter, bathing visitors in rainbow light from crystal chandeliers.
Artisans spent months creating intricate mosaics and gold calligraphy adorning nearly every surface. The library houses rare manuscripts and books on UAE history. At night, spectacular light shows transform the palace’s exterior into a storytelling canvas.
11. Raghadan Palace
Rising dramatically above Amman, Raghadan serves as King Abdullah II’s official workplace rather than residence. Constructed from distinctive honey-colored Jerusalem stone, the palace’s architecture blends Islamic traditions with modern elements.
Royal guards in flowing red-and-white checkered headdresses stand at attention outside. The throne room features an elaborate ceiling representing the seven heavens of Islamic cosmology.
12. Royal Palace of Casablanca
Surrounded by orange groves and elaborate water features, King Mohammed VI’s private residence remains shrouded in mystery. Glimpses beyond the ornate gates reveal hand-carved cedar doors and zellige tile work crafted by Morocco’s finest artisans.
Lush gardens incorporate traditional Islamic paradise designs with reflective pools. Security guards in distinctive red uniforms patrol the perimeter. While closed to tourists, the palace’s exterior showcases the exquisite craftsmanship that likely continues throughout its hidden interior.
13. Kensington Palace
Currently home to Prince William’s family, Kensington Palace feels more intimate than its grander royal counterparts. Princess Diana’s former apartment, 8 and 9, has been converted into office space while William and Kate occupy the 20-room Apartment 1A.
Visitors can explore the King’s State Apartments, where William III’s ceiling paintings celebrate naval victories. The Sunken Garden, recently redesigned with white flowers, serves as a touching memorial to Diana.
14. Grand Ducal Palace
Originally serving as Luxembourg City’s town hall, this Renaissance-style building became the Grand Duke’s official residence in 1890. Flemish Renaissance tapestries adorn walls while family photos humanize formal spaces, blending monarchy with modernity.
Summer visitors might catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The Council Chamber impresses with its coffered wooden ceiling and massive fireplace. Grand Duke Henri conducts state business in a surprisingly modest office, while the family occupies private apartments upstairs.
15. Drottningholm Palace
Known as Sweden’s “Versailles,” UNESCO-protected Drottningholm actually serves as the permanent residence of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Just a short boat ride from Stockholm, the palace’s Chinese Pavilion exemplifies 18th-century Europe’s fascination with Asian aesthetics.
Remarkably, the palace houses the world’s oldest theater still using original stage machinery from 1766. Wooden pulleys and trapdoors create dramatic scene changes just as they did 250 years ago. The baroque garden’s carefully manicured hedges form intricate patterns visible only from upper palace windows.