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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National

Make Buckingham Palace fit for the people and democracy

Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace following the announcement comes that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not live th
Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace following the announcement comes that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not live there after it is refurbished. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

So Buckingham Palace is no longer needed by the monarchy (Report, 25 June) and the Houses of Parliament are no longer fit for purpose. How about a temporary move for the latter into the former while waiting for a new building, ideally in Birmingham or Manchester (real devolution).

In this way, taxpayers might see some benefit from the £369m spent on the former royal residence. Part of it could still be used for ceremonial purposes. To be honest, though, it’s the symbolism that appeals – a change of ownership and purpose to signify a long overdue move to more meritocratic government.
Richard Churcher
London

• Given that the king and queen will not live at Buckingham Palace but want there to be increased public access, could I suggest it becomes a Wetherspoon’s? They specialise in running pubs in historic buildings.
Keith Flett
London

• What now for Buckingham Palace? Perhaps an heir B&B?
Jude Carr
London

• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.

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