Why President Trump Isn't Staying at Buckingham Palace During His State Visit to the U.K.
Donald Trump's first official state visit to the U.K. promises to be an eventful one. The U.S. president is already scheduled for a full roster of royal events during his 3-day stay in the United Kingdom, including a tea with Prince Charles at Clarence House and a banquet held by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. But while Trump may be partaking of state events at the royal residence, in a break with tradition, he won't be making himself at home at the palace during his stay.
Though both former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama were accommodated at Buckingham Palace during their respective state visits (and despite the high tensions surrounding Trump's stay following his heavily-protested 2018 trip to the U.K.) the move doesn't appear to be a snub. Rather, the displacement is the result of a massive renovation effort currently underway at the palace which is projected to last for up to 10 years and cost as much as ￡369 million (around $465 million.)
The ongoing work will preclude Trump, his family, and staff from staying in the palace overnight, a spokesperson for the palace confirmed to Newsweek. All other functions scheduled to take place in Buckingham Palace, including a ceremonial welcome and a private lunch, for the visit are slated to continue as usual.
It has not yet been announced where Trump and his team will be housed for the duration of their stay from June 3-5.
Originally constructed in the early 1700s as a house for the Duke of Buckingham, the building that would one day be known as Buckingham Palace was purchased by King George III in 1762 as a private home for his wife and children. The home was renovated and added on to at several points, ultimately becoming the official royal residence and administrative headquarters for the British monarchy beginning with Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth and her family have called the palace home since she inherited the throne in 1952; in fact, Her Majesty even gave birth to three of her four children at Buckingham.
The Palace as it stands today boasts 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 bedrooms for the royal family and their guests, as well as 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.
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