Queen to split her time between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle after summer break

THE Queen is to split her time between Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace after her summer break, sources say.

It is suggested the arrangement is to fend off potential criticism of the £369million refurbishment bill of the palace.

Her Majesty has been spending time at Balmoral since June for the first time since her husband Prince Philip died in April

Expert Roya Nikkhah said: “Otherwise many people would think, ‘What’s the point’ of the refurb?’ ”

Her Majesty, 95, has been at Balmoral since June — her first stay there since Prince Philip died in April.

She spent much of the pandemic at Windsor in Berkshire, but is ex­pected to spend more time in London when she gets back.

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The Sovereign Grant, which comes from taxes, will rise to cover renovation costs.

But the palace will operate as usual, generating millions through tourism and events.

Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, where the Queen spent much of the pandemic