in 1808, it was handed over to the possession of the monarchy, by dom joão vi, who proclaimed it the royal palace for the portuguese royal family. 

this new title and function was short lived however, as just 14 years later, under the declaration of independence, which took place in the palace, it was renamed the paço imperial, to represent the empire of brazil.

after this event, the palace became an important spot for historical events, such as the abolition of slavery, by princess isabel, in 1888. 

in 1925, the paço imperial was transformed into the headquarters of the central agency for posts and telegraphs, which is how it remained until 1975.