The Ghosts of Buckingham Palace: Royal Hauntings Behind the Crown

Buckingham Palace is the heart of the British monarchy, a symbol of tradition, power, and pageantry. But behind the gilded gates and grand state rooms lies a lesser-known side of the palace, one that most tourists never hear about: its ghost stories. Yes, even the residence of kings and queens is said to have a few spectral secrets.

Though often overshadowed by its political and historical significance, Buckingham Palace has long been rumored to host a few unexpected guests from beyond the grave, spirits that walk the halls, echo through the corridors, and remind us that even royalty cannot escape the pull of the paranormal.

The Ghost of Major John Gwynne

The most well-known spirit said to haunt Buckingham Palace is that of Major John Gwynne, a former private secretary to King Edward VII when he was still Prince of Wales. Gwynne was a man of noble service but fell into disgrace after a scandalous and highly publicized divorce, an act considered shameful in Victorian society. Unable to bear the humiliation, it’s believed that Gwynne took his own life within the palace walls, reportedly shooting himself in one of the staff offices.

Ever since, palace workers have claimed to hear the distinct sound of gunfire echoing from the area where he died. A few have even reported sightings of a shadowy male figure wandering the corridors late at night, wearing Victorian-era attire, disappearing when approached.

The Monk Beneath the Chapel

Another spirit said to dwell within palace grounds is that of a mourning monk, believed to haunt the basement beneath the Queen’s private chapel. The figure is often described as solemn, robed in brown or black, with his face obscured. The origins of the monk are uncertain, but the site of Buckingham Palace was once marshy countryside dotted with religious institutions. Some historians believe the ghost could be tied to a former monastery that may have once stood nearby or even a forgotten burial site disturbed during construction.

Staff members working near the chapel have reported sudden cold spots, unexplained feelings of grief or dread, and, on rare occasions, the fleeting image of a cloaked figure fading into the shadows.

A Soldier Who Refuses to Leave His Post

Another tale tells of a phantom guardsman, seen standing silently on the palace grounds during the dead of night. Described as dressed in the full regalia of a palace sentry, this ghostly soldier is said to appear at his post and then vanish without a trace.

Some believe he may be the spirit of a soldier who died while serving at the palace, his sense of duty so strong that not even death could release him from his post.

Whispers from the Royal Past

Like many centuries-old buildings, Buckingham Palace holds layers of history. Before becoming the royal family’s official London residence, it was known as Buckingham House, purchased by King George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte. Since then, generations of royalty have lived and died within its walls.

Though there are fewer reported hauntings here compared to places like the Tower of London or Windsor Castle, palace insiders say that the atmosphere in certain areas especially at night, can feel strangely oppressive or inexplicably cold, as if eyes are watching from the walls.

A Haunted Mystery, Guarded by Silence

As one might expect, Buckingham Palace doesn’t exactly advertise its paranormal side. The Royal Household remains tight-lipped about such matters, and any strange occurrences are rarely acknowledged publicly. But over the years, whispers from former staff, royal watchers, and even curious historians have kept the ghost stories alive.

Whether you believe in spirits or not, one thing is certain: Buckingham Palace isn’t just home to living royalty,it may also shelter a few forgotten souls who never truly left.