A collection of everyday objects, including a pair of hobnailed boots and a newspaper cutting dating back nearly 140 years, have been unearthed during restoration work at Buckingham Palace. These items are thought to have belonged to staff who worked at the palace decades ago.
Among the discoveries were a ticket for a "whist drive" hosted by the palace on 14 April 1949, several betting slips, and an empty Silk Cut cigarette carton. Workers also found a newspaper article about the gang jailed for the 1963 Great Train Robbery.
The royal residence is undergoing a 10-year refurbishment plan, funded by a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, and is due to be completed in March. The work involves replacing ageing cables, lead pipes, wiring, and boilers, many for the first time in 60 years, due to concerns about fire and water damage.
Other finds included a typed schedule detailing Queen Elizabeth II's plans for a diplomatic reception in 1977, blank Littlewoods Football Pool betting slips from 1957, and fragments of Minton decorative ceramic tiles from the mid-1800s.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently residing in Clarence House and will not live in Buckingham Palace after the refurbishment. Officials stated that the decision was made to allow greater public access to the landmark, potentially enabling it to open for a longer period and generate more income. The King will continue to host various events at the palace, such as state banquets and garden parties.