Buckingham Palace to close for three years
Tengrinews.kz – Buckingham Palace in London will suspend state visits for the next three years due to extensive renovations costing £369 million (over 230 billion tenge), reports Daily Mail.
The reconstruction, which began in 2017, focuses on upgrading outdated systems, including electrical wiring and plumbing, which have not been replaced since the 1950s. These upgrades are necessary to prevent potential 'catastrophic' incidents such as fires or flooding due to aging infrastructure.
During the renovations, set to conclude in 2027, Windsor Castle will serve as the primary venue for state visits. The Emir of Qatar is expected to visit Buckingham Palace next month, marking the final official event before all visits are redirected to Windsor.
In the meantime, King Charles III will relocate his office to a newly renovated space in the palace's north wing, funded personally by the monarch. This area was previously used by Queen Elizabeth II as private apartments. The king’s new office will be in the Belgian Suite, located on the ground floor of the palace’s Garden Wing, which faces west.
The renovations also aim to improve working conditions for staff. Servants' quarters dating back to the 19th century are being transformed into a 'central collaborative workspace' for 300 office employees working within the palace.
Additionally, an outdated computer room will be converted into a modern conference hall, an IT training facility, and an open-plan office space.
As part of the renovation, several cherry trees and silver birches in the palace gardens were removed to enhance natural light and promote the regeneration of other plants. The decision aims to improve the ecological environment and create a healthier atmosphere for vegetation.