Renovations could halt balcony scenes

THE royals might have to skip next year’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour, it has been revealed.

Building works could prevent them gathering for the traditional spectacle, as the ornate Centre Room, which leads out to the famous balcony, could be impassable due to renovation works.

The entire East Wing is the first section to undergo a makeover in the long-planned refurbishment of the palace, which will take ten years and cost the public £ 69million. The Chinese Dining Room, Yellow Drawing Room and lavish bedrooms used during state visits will all be pulled apart – the biggest overhaul at the palace since the aftermath of the Second World War.

Yesterday officials said 10,000 precious artworks would be removed before builders arrive. Some will be loaned to galleries and museums around the country and the world, while others will be placed into storage.