Queen Elizabeth II lived in several residences throughout her life and reign. Her main official residence was Buckingham Palace in London, where she lived from her coronation in 1953 until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She also spent significant time at Windsor Castle, a historic royal castle west of London, used as a weekend retreat. Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was her private residence and summer retreat where she could relax away from public life. Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh served as the official royal residence in Scotland. Additionally, she had a private estate at Sandringham in Norfolk, England, which she visited for Christmas and other occasions. Elizabeth was born in London and lived in several royal homes during her early years, including apartments in Kensington Palace and a family home at 145 Piccadilly.