The Imperial Palace is the most important structure on Coruscant and perhaps in the whole Empire. Not only is it the residence of the Emperor, but it is also the hub of all political and military endeavours of the Galactic Empire. In the past, the Palace was a simple government building, but with the fall of the Republic, its importance escalated immeasurably. Once a lavish residence of governors and political bureaucrats, it now is a paramount example of Imperial power and efficiency. All remaining traces of Republican ideals have since been since wiped away, and the interior itself was redesigned after the Emperor's fashion.

The facility is incredibly vast and has been remodelled to accommodate the most important branches of the Imperial Government. This includes admiralty, generality and all paramilitary Chiefs of Staff. His Imperial Highness, the Emperor, oversees the fate of the Empire from his throne room, and it is from here he decides the fate of the Empire and executes his will.

The Imperial Palace surpasses in height and volume most other structures in the galaxy and is considered a separate city unto itself, even by Coruscani standards. It is rumoured that one man could not visit all rooms inside the Palace in a single lifetime; however this is only a rumour, and would not be a recommended activity for unauthorized guests who value their lives. Due to its vast nature, the Palace accommodates several entrances and has its own docking and hangar bays. Even large ships can land inside the docking bay and a technician crew is always standing ready to service the crafts.

In order to secure such a facility, an entire battalion of military personnel is under the direct command of Palace Security, working tirelessly to ensure the protection of the capital building. In addition to this security detail, the Palace sports its own set of turbo laser turrets and a tight security system.

The Emperor's Royal Guard, an elite battalion of specially trained troops under the direct command of the Emperor, is directly responsible for his safety and can, if needed, deploy the Palace's troops and vehicles to defend the structure at the touch of a button. In cases of emergency, the Imperial Royal Guard can draft reserve forces at their own discretion from the Palace Security, the regular military as well as those in the civilian reserve.

The Palace also harbours a special detail of Imperial Intelligence. These women and men are highly trained and scrutinise every person entering. Such precautions are necessary in order to keep the vast number of visitors under surveillance and provide adequate protection for the working staff.