Take a virtual trip through Prince Charles’ luxury residence in honor of his 70th birthday

By Daphne Buenaflor

Nov 16, 2018

04:47 P.M.

People can now take a glimpse of Prince Charles’ home, the Clarence House, thanks to Google. The virtual trip is in celebration of his 70th birthday.

Royal fans would be able to take a virtual tour and see the luxurious residence of the Prince of Wales, as well as the gardens.

It took Prince Charles almost four decades to create his official London residence’s green spaces. The property is very special to him, and he would like to share it with the people with the help of Google’s Art and Culture department.

Google made use of photos and videos, including rare ones, high-resolution shots of artwork, and 360-degree imagery to make it as realistic as possible for the viewers.

The team was adamant in making sure that by the end of the virtual trip, the public would be able to understand how passionate Prince Charles is for art and heritage.

Suhair Khan from Google UK’s arts and culture department spoke to Standard UK about Prince Charles’ London home.

She said, "Now using 360-degree imagery anyone can stroll down the halls, explore the art collection, go from one room to another and really come up close with a lot of the artworks."

Source: Google Arts & Culture

Prince Charles found out about Google Arts and Culture in May 2018, after he visited technology offices in the capital. Afterward, he immediately got in touch with Google and worked on this huge project featuring his home.

His communications secretary, Julian Payne, said that Prince Charles had been hands-on with the project and had been keeping a “close eye.”

Source: Google Arts & Culture

"I have to say the prince was fascinated by the opportunity that arts and culture provides to connect people to museums, other cultural institutions and provide access which they wouldn't necessarily otherwise have, and so he was very taken with its potential,” he said.

Source: Google Arts & Culture

Prince Charles was happy and honored when he received an invitation to make the site into what it is now.

Source: Google Arts & Culture

In 2011, Google Arts and Culture was introduced to the world. Since it started, it has made collaborations with museums and other facilities in featuring heritage and artwork through technology and showing them to a broader audience. Because it is online, anyone can take a virtual trip with a press of a button.

Source: Google Arts & Culture

Meanwhile, here are some things you might not know about the Clarence House. Aside from the fact that Prince Charles lives at the London residence at present, it was actually built for the Duke of Clarence, William Henry. Construction began in 1825 and lasted for two years.

When William passed away, many generations of royals chose to live at the Clarence House, including the Queen Mother. It was said to be her most favorite residence.