Queen Elizabeth II looks at portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by Louis Haghe, part of the exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, at Buckingham Palace in London on Wednesday. [Photo/Agencies]

The UK's 19th century Queen transformed Buckingham Palace into an iconic symbol and rallying point for the nation

To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, a special exhibition has opened at Buckingham Palace, telling the story of how the young monarch turned an unloved royal residence into the center of the social, cultural and official life of the country.

The exhibition, Queen Victoria's Palace, which runs through Sept 29, offers visitors an immersive experience in how Victoria made Buckingham Palace what it remains today－the headquarters of the monarchy, a rallying point for national celebrations and a family home.

Amanda Foreman, historian and curator of the exhibition, said: "Queen Victoria saved Buckingham Palace and transformed it. By transforming this building, she made it bigger, more welcoming, and much more inclusive for the community for the country.