Marlborough House is a mansion in Pall Mall, in the City of Westminster, London. It was built for Sarah, the Duchess of Marlborough, who was the confidante of Queen Anne. The house was designed by Christopher Wren, Senior and Junior, and was completed in 1711. The house served as the London residence of the Dukes of Marlborough until 1817, when it was taken up by the Crown.
Marlborough House was renovated according to plans by Sir James Pennethorne in 1861-63, and used by various members of the Royal Family. It was the home of the then Prince of Wales, from 1863 until 1901, when he was crowned King Edward VII. In 1936, Marlborough House became the London residence of the Queen Dowager, Queen Mary, widow of King George V. After Queen Mary's death in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II donated it for use by the Commonwealth Secretariat, which continues to use it today.
Marlborough House is usually open to the public on Open House Weekend each September.
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