BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19451, 28 March 1933, Page 3

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

SITE FOR LUXURY HOTEL. “ The changing conditions in the great h area of crown property between Buckn ingham Palace and Trafalgar Square a make the future of the King’s London e residence a problem of growing interest, states the “Daily Express.” By ! > granting to a commercial company a L ’ permit to build in the Carlton House a Terrace block, the Crown authorities have started a movement which is e arousing the keenest speculation. Ars chitects, financiers, and administrative r circles are discussing the future of the whole area which surrounds Bucking- ■ ham Palace. ” It is recognised that the concession * now given by the Crown to erect a 1 commercial building will be followed ; by others. The new structure will imI pinge on the view from Buckingham 1 Palace, and will affect the outlook of • the private rooms of the Royal Fam--1 lly in the north wing. ’ King Dislikes Palace. ’ Although nothing is known about ’ the personal attitude of His Majesty ’ or his family in this matter, the King’s 1 dislike of Buckingham Palace is a ' long-established fact. ; Lord Esher has stated: “King ; George’s dream, and no one knows better its visionary character, is to ; pull dow'n Buckingham Palace, round : off St. James’ and the Green Parks 1 at Constitution Hill and Buckingham Gate, arid then, with the money obtained by the sale of the gardens of Buckingham Palace, .to reconstruct Kensington Palace as the town residence of the Sovereign.” It is felt that the present changing situation may result in the King giving further thought to his plan to give up Buckingham Palace and to recondition Kensington Palace as the principal Royal Residence. St. James’ Palace, as the official Court, would be used for such ceremonies as investitures. If this change should take place the Royal gardens of Buckingham Palace will probably become the site of a luxury hotel, as well as fine blocks of the most modern flats, giving a new character to the neighbourhood. Value Nearly £3,000,000. The value of the Palace and site, it is estimated, would be in the neighbourhood of £3,000,000, which would enable much employment to be given in enlarging Kensington Palace. The public would not be deprived of their present access to Kensington Gardens. Instead of Buckingham Palace—which has been called “the ugliest palace in Europe”—visitors would find Kensington, historic and mellow, in its woodland setting. Buckingham Palace has never been a favourite Royal residence. It ivas purchased by George 111. and settled on Queen Charlotte. George TV. extended it, but lived there as little as possible. William IV. and Queen Victoria avoided using the Palace when hey could. King Edward regretted leaving the comfort of Marlborough House to go there. The present King’s att’tude is well known, and the Prince of Wales, it is believed, does not show any great enthusiasm for the Palace. Kensington Palace, which was bought by William 111. is now the residence of Princess Louise and Princess Beatrice, aunts of .he King.