Advertisement

Buckingham Palace to get $600m worth of renovations

Buckingham Palace is about to get a massive refurbishment!

The U.K. government has just approved plans for a much-needed overhaul and its going to cost a whopping $600 million of tax-payers money.

The works, which are going to start in April, will update leaky old pipes and fire-risk cables. There will also be solar panels installed on the roof of the palace as well as more space for public visits in the palace's biggest revamp since World War II. The last major renovation was carried out to repair damage from German bombing.

Buckingham Palace. Source: Getty
Buckingham Palace. Source: Getty

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are expected to remain in the residence but may have to temporarily change rooms, while some of the 37 permanent staff who currently live in the palace will have to move out.

Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip are expected to remain in the residence. Source: Getty.
Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip are expected to remain in the residence. Source: Getty.

"This palace is very much part of our DNA," Tony Johnstone-Burt, Master of the Queen's Household, told reporters at a briefing in a palace drawing room.

He warned of "significant risk of electric shocks and fire" from 60-year-old cables, as well as "potential leakage from lead pipes" that could damage paintings, adding that the palace boilers dated back 30 years.

Millions of tourists flock to the British landmark each year, and the palace has also hosts small receptions and state visits.

"It is only right we ensure Buckingham Palace is fit for purpose," added David Gauke, chief secretary to the Treasury, calling the proposed work "urgent".

There are also risks of
There are also risks of

RELATED: There's a pretty sweet job up for grabs at Buckingham Palace
RELATED: Netflix spent how much on the replica of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress for ‘The Crown’?

"These urgent works have been properly costed and will ensure the palace can continue its centuries-long tradition of being the working house of our monarch."

Bucking Palace's origins trace back to the 17th century and it has been vastly expanded since then.

The Queen is "fully aware" of the project and "completely supportive", a royal official said.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram