King Charles makes major change at Buckingham Palace amid royal drama

The Palace has announced a significant change following a challenging few months for senior members of the royal family.

King Charles is throwing open the doors to a previously sealed section of Buckingham Palace for the first time, giving tourists the chance to go behind the scenes of some of the most iconic royal moments in history.

From mid-July until the end of August, guided 45-minute tours will be permitted through the royal residence’s east wing – which includes the famous balcony room, facing The Mall, where the family has gathered for their most significant occasions.

The late Queen made many appearances on the balcony during significant occasions throughout her reign. Picture: AFP Photo/Pool/Leon Neal

Kate and William shared a kiss after their wedding. Picture: AFP Photo/Pool/John Stillwell

It’s where Prince William and Kate Middleton emerged to share a kiss on their wedding day in 2011, where the late Queen Elizabeth waved to the crowds below during her Jubilee celebrations, and where King Charles and Queen Camilla posed following their Coronation last May.

The Princess and Prince of Wales last May. Picture: Leon Neal/Pool/AFP

The decision to open up the wing follows more than five years of refurbishments, which form part of the decade-long $700 million Palace upgrade.

The royal family is currently dealing with the double blow of the Princess of Wales, 42, and King Charles’, 75, respective cancer diagnosis and subsequent retreat from the spotlight while they both undergo treatment.

The Palace confirmed that the King was dealing with an undisclosed type of cancer, while Kate revealed her own battle in an emotional video shot last month.

With the Prince of Wales temporarily reducing his workload in order to care for his wife, the monarchy is now being represented by a significantly diminished team which includes just Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The King made a brief and “gentle” return to public engagements last Sunday for the royals’ annual Easter church service but its not yet been made clear what this means in terms of future events.

Originally published as King Charles makes major change at Buckingham Palace amid royal drama