Buckingham Palace, the heart of the British monarchy and the official residence of its monarchs since 1837, is a symbol of the historical splendor of the United Kingdom. Its 775 rooms, 19 state rooms and iconic central balcony are silent witnesses to moments that have defined British history. However, beneath its imposing stone façade lies a much less majestic reality: an infrastructure that threatens to crumble.
Currently, this emblematic building is undergoing renovation, but not just any one, but what is already considered the most ambitious in its history. With an estimated cost of 369 million pounds (about 426 million euros), the project seeks to avoid structural disasters, such as floods or fires, due to problems in electrical systems, pipes and heating, which have not been addressed. renovated since the 1950s. In addition, work includes the removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos and the restoration of iconic areas, including the East Wing and the famous balcony.
This colossal work began in 2017 and is scheduled to last until 2027. During this time, the palace’s grandest rooms, such as the White Hall, the Music Hall and the Throne Hall, are being closed in stages. However, despite the works, the palace continues to open to the public at certain times of the year. This summer, for example, for the first time in 175 years, visitors were able to pass through the enormous main gates and walk along the front esplanade, imitating the route taken by official guests. This opening, according to royal sources, seeks to keep Buckingham as a relevant space in the tourist scene and accessible to new generations.
Serious internal deterioration
However, the external majesty of the palace that attracts millions of tourists – in 2023, London will attract 21.1 million, according to data from the Office for National Statistics – ironically contrasts with its serious internal deterioration. While visitors applaud the changing of the guard on the outskirts, inside, out of public view, workers remove obsolete cables and check every corner for possible risks. This contrast has generated criticism of the high restoration costs, financed through the sovereign subsidy.
The Sovereign Grant, in English, is the money used to finance the expenses of the British royal family, such as travel or the maintenance of palaces. This money comes from the income generated by the Crown Estate, a set of properties managed by the Crown, which although it manages this fund, its income is not part of its personal use assets. In fact, Parliament annually approves the amount allocated to this subsidy, as a guarantee that the money will be spent correctly on official activities of the monarchy.
Thus, defenders argue that the palace is not just a residence, but a cultural symbol and an invaluable national heritage that must be cared for. In fact, research published by the Regional Studies Association, which analyzes the impact of the monarchy on British tourism, estimates that the royal family, as part of a phenomenon known as “royal tourism”, contributes significantly to the UK economy. , with an approximate figure of 1.7 billion pounds annually. And more than 60% of international tourists who visit the United Kingdom have attractions linked to the royal family on their itinerary, and Buckingham Palace is one of the most notable.
Last visit until 2027
The visit of Emir of Qatar and his wife next week to British territory will mark a turning point. It will be the last state event to be held at Buckingham until 2027. Thereafter, royal receptions will move to Windsor Castle and St. James’s Palace. Even the King Charles III He has adapted to the changes, moving his private office to the Belgian Suite, in the west wing of the Palace, which houses the Orleans room, where he was born in 1948.
The impact of the renovations is not only architectural, but also social. Since 2017, the project has involved over 200 apprentices, including young students and adults transitioning into work, in the restoration of this Grade I listed structure, the highest level of protection a building can receive in the UK. meaning it is of such significant architectural or historical value that it is protected by law and cannot be altered without strict permits.
Despite the inconveniences of renovation and its crumbling skeleton, Buckingham continues to attract crowds. In 2023, the opening of the East Wing and the central balcony terrace broke records for visitors, who with their money partially contribute to financing the high maintenance costs of around £20 million a year, which cover the conservation of its infrastructure, operating costs and salaries of the nearly 800 employees, which include personnel such as butlers, gardeners, cooks, and cleaning staff, among others. During the renovation, many of them have continued to work in the Palace while others have been or will be transferred to other areas or royal residences.
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