Buckingham Palace, the opulent London residence of King Charles, is about to undergo a significant change. As British Summer Time begins this weekend, the clocks from the Royal Collection will be returning to the Yellow Drawing Room and Centre Room in the East Wing. A team of three horological conservators will be meticulously changing the clocks across the King’s official residences. The timepieces being reinstalled include musical clocks, astronomical clocks, and miniature clocks. One of the most notable clocks in the collection is the Anne Boleyn Clock, believed to have been a gift from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn in 1532.
Although Buckingham Palace is not currently King Charles and Queen Camilla’s home, they are set to move there from Clarence House in 2027. The move comes after a ten-year renovation project in the Palace’s North Wing, where private apartments are being constructed. The renovation, which began during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and is now overseen by her son, is estimated to cost £369 million. As part of the relocation process, the monarch is in the process of hiring a new full-time Housekeeping Assistant to ensure the upkeep of the palace’s interiors and items.
In addition to the changes at Buckingham Palace, King Charles’s beloved Scottish estate, Balmoral, has recently opened its doors to the public. Visitors can now explore the Aberdeenshire-based castle, which holds significant historical and cultural value. This move allows for greater accessibility to one of the royal family’s most treasured properties and provides a unique insight into their heritage.
This weekend, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, along with other members of the royal family. However, it has been reported that the Prince and Princess of Wales will not be present at the service this year. This absence is attributed to Princess Kate’s ongoing preventative treatment for cancer and her subsequent recovery. The Sunday service will mark King Charles’s first major public appearance since being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.
The return of the royal clocks to Buckingham Palace symbolizes a historic change in the King’s official residences. The upcoming relocation, renovation, and public access initiatives reflect a new chapter for the royal family’s properties and traditions. Despite personal challenges, such as health issues, the royal family continues to fulfill their public duties and maintain their historical legacy. The intricate timepieces and grandeur of Buckingham Palace serve as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the British monarchy.
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