LONDON — Maintaining big, older houses is never easy – as Queen Elizabeth II has learned of late.

Buckingham Palace officials said Monday the ornate state dining room at the queen’s official residence has been closed out of concerns for the safety of the ceiling.

The palace said official functions originally scheduled for the main dining room will be moved to other rooms in the vast palace in central London.

Officials are planning a complete overhaul of the palace to include rewiring, plumbing improvements, and removal of asbestos. The queen may have to move out of the palace when that extensive work begins.

—From news services


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