Buckingham Palace Refurbishment Pauses State Visits Until 2027
As one of the world’s most iconic residences, Buckingham Palace is entering a transformative chapter. Starting next year, the palace will no longer host state visits for a three-year period, with its doors set to reopen fully in 2027. This hiatus is due to a monumental refurbishment project costing £369 million, initiated in 2017 to modernize its infrastructure while preserving its historical grandeur.
The scale of the renovations is unprecedented in recent history, involving the replacement of outdated cabling and plumbing systems, some of which date back to the 1950s. Additionally, asbestos removal and structural cleaning are underway to prevent potential risks, such as fire or flooding. The extensive works also feature updates to improve energy efficiency and preserve the palace for future generations. These changes are not merely cosmetic but essential to ensuring the safety and longevity of this Grade I-listed building.
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During this period, Windsor Castle will take over the responsibility of hosting state visits. The Emir of Qatar’s visit next month will mark the last formal event at Buckingham Palace until the restoration is complete. For tourists and admirers, this shift represents a rare opportunity to see Windsor Castle’s hospitality in action while Buckingham Palace undergoes its grand overhaul.
King Charles III, meanwhile, has relocated his private office from the north wing—formerly Queen Elizabeth II’s private apartments—to the Belgian Suite in the west-facing Garden Wing. This area holds special significance for the King as it includes the Orleans Room, where he was born in 1948. According to royal insiders, the King is said to appreciate the historical symmetry of conducting royal duties in the room of his birth. Despite these adjustments, the monarch reportedly carries a "half-smile" about the situation, reflecting his reverence for history and continuity.
The renovations have also opened new opportunities for the public. Earlier this year, the refurbished East Wing, featuring the famous central balcony, was briefly accessible to visitors for the first time, with tickets selling out in hours. Over 200 planning applications have been submitted since 2017, and significant progress has been made, including converting former servants' quarters into collaborative office spaces for staff.
This ambitious project, funded through the taxpayer-supported Sovereign Grant, aims to strike a delicate balance between preserving history and meeting modern demands. For the royal family and the nation alike, the next three years represent a moment of transformation for a beloved institution. By 2027, Buckingham Palace is set to emerge not only restored but also revitalized, ready to host future generations and international dignitaries with renewed splendor.
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