If Stockholm Royal Palace was for sale, the advertisement would say something like this: Stockholm’s most magnificent and well-situated property offering spectacular views from its 964 windows. 58,000 square meters, 660 rooms, but only one balcony. Featuring old cellar vaults and  a secret escape route through a tunnel (https://reveal.world/story/1045). 

It is one of the largest palaces in Europe indeed, bigger than Windsor Castle and almost as big as Buckingham Palace. But why is it so big? According to the plan of Stockholm city architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, the city was to be based around a large, dominant palace building, a focal point for the nation. This palace should not only serve as the royal family residence but also house the entire central state administration. In addition to the parliament and government, a number of authorities were based here, including the National Archives, the National Library and the Supreme Court.

Over time, the various authorities have been moved to other buildings and the palace - like most other palaces of the world - has become exclusively the royal residence. And, as of today, a historic monument and a museum. 

Bonus fact: this palace is not the first royal residence built on the spot. Tre Kronor Castle, which was destroyed by fire in 1697, stood on the same site. You can still find the traces of the past on the pavement - see https://reveal.world/story/1052.

Source: https://www.kungligaslotten.se