St James's Palace is a historic royal residence located in London, England. Built in the late 16th century during the reign of King Henry VIII, it served as the primary royal residence until the Buckingham Palace took over in the 19th century. The palace features a mix of architectural styles and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Today, St James's Palace is primarily used for official functions and ceremonies. It houses several royal offices and is the official residence of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. The palace is not open to the public, but its exterior can be admired from the surrounding areas.