- State visits moved to Windsor Castle
- £369 million renovation underway
- Significant impact on royal residence plans
Buckingham Palace, the iconic residence of British royalty, will not host any state visits until 2027 due to a substantial renovation project. The Emir of Qatar, scheduled to visit next month, will be the final royal guest at the palace until the refurbishment concludes. In the interim, Windsor Castle will serve as the venue for all state visits. This shift in location is part of a broader strategy to ensure the preservation and modernization of the historic landmark.
£369 million renovation underway
The extensive renovation, with a budget of £369 million, addresses the palace's outdated infrastructure. According to The Times, the refurbishment has necessitated King Charles's relocation from his private office in the north wing, previously Queen Elizabeth II’s apartment, to the Belgian Suite on the ground floor. The official royal website states, "The palace's electrical cabling, plumbing, and heating have not been updated since the 1950s." This overhaul is crucial to prevent long-term damage to the building and its contents.
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Significant impact on royal residence plans
The renovations are a continuation of a project initiated in 2017, which is considered one of Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacies. The refurbishment has also affected King Charles and Queen Camilla's residential plans. Initially, they were set to move into Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. However, due to ongoing construction, the couple will remain at Clarence House until the project's completion. It remains uncertain if Clarence House will continue as a secondary residence or be allocated to other family members.