The first British monarch to use Buckingham Palace as the official residence was Queen Victoria. When Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837, Buckingham Palace was not yet the primary royal residence. However, during her reign, she decided to make Buckingham Palace her official residence in London.
Before Queen Victoria, previous monarchs had used Buckingham Palace primarily for ceremonial purposes and as a place for official functions and events. However, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, saw the potential of the palace and initiated extensive renovations and expansions to make it a suitable and comfortable living space for the royal family.
Under their direction, the palace was significantly enlarged and transformed into a more substantial and private residence. The changes included the addition of the famous central balcony, the remodeling of the State Rooms, and the creation of the private family quarters.
Since then, Buckingham Palace has remained the principal residence of the reigning British monarch in London, serving as the administrative headquarters of the monarchy and hosting various ceremonial and official events throughout the year.