An Unwanted Palace

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7059, 6 November 1929, Page 15

An Unwanted Palace

TWO THOUSAND A WEEK UPKEEP RECONDITIONED FOR PRINCE. Marlborough House, the imposing red brick mansion in Pall Mall, where Queen Alexandra spent hor last years, stands to-day empty and deserted, blinds shroud its and its stately rooms are bare of furniture. The Prince of Wales, for whom Marlborough House was altered and re* decorated a year ago, is not moving from his prosont homo at York House, St. James' Palace, and no plans for making use of the great house built by Sarah, Duphoss of Marlborough, have boon made. After Queen Alexandra’s death, the whole of tho intorior of tho house was recouditioned and decorated in readiness for its occupation by tho Prince of Wales. Tho great State rooms with their magnificent crystal candelabra and ornate hangings, the famous drawing rooms, hung in scarlet and green damasks, and the private apartments weher King Edward VII. and King George V. lived as Princes of Wales, were preparod for tho heir to the throne. New ceilings wore constructand the windows of the room that was to be the Prince's study was fitted with vitaglass, to admit the sun 3 ultra-violet rays. The study is panelled in pollard oak and new walnut, with a massive wood fireplace, and several large bookcases add to its studious atmosphere. Extensive modern garages, capaDio of accommodating a score of care have replaced.the old stables and the layout of tho gateways has been completely altered to suit modern requirements. There over 200 rooms in tbu great pantcc, however, and the cost of its upkeep in these days would be tremendous. It is calculated that ovot £2OOO a week at least would be required to maintain it in the simplest possible style as a modern residence. As a home, therefore Marlborough House would be the nature of a white elephant. . Rumours that the mansion might be turned into a reception palace for distinguished foreign visitors arc discredited at the Office of Works, and the groat pile remains forlorn and unoccupied. It is possible, however, that tho Duke and Duclichs of York might, make it their home, though the suggestion has not seriously beon considered yet in Roval circles.