The British people are about to splurge £369m to give the Queen’s administrative headquarters at Buckingham Palace a 21st Century makeover.
The Treasury announced today (Friday) that the Palace would undergo a ten year renovation that would give it a much needed modern facelift, with the near £400m figure set aside for the exercise.
According to the BBC, “ageing cables, lead pipes, wiring and boilers will be replaced, many for the first time in 60 years, owing to fears about potential fire and water damage.”
The makeover would commence in April next year, and would continue for the next ten years. The Queen would continue to live in the palace whilst the works go on.
The funds would be raised through an increase in the Sovereign Grant, something which would have to be approved by the British Parliament.
“As Her Majesty’s administrative headquarters, the Queen spends a third of the year hosting events at Buckingham Palace.” the BBC notes.
“When in town, she holds weekly audiences with the prime minister, and every year welcomes more than 50,000 people as guests to state banquets, dinners, receptions and garden parties.
“The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.”