Huis ten Bosch Palace "neglected"; Beatrix hesitant to hire repairers

Huis ten Bosch, the home of Queen Beatrix for more than 30 years, has a long list of flaws. This includes, threadbare curtains, counter tops containing asbestos, leaking roofs and cracks in the ceiling. This is evident from confidential documents that NRC requested from the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the next major renovation. In addition to the long service of the palace, the first stone was laid in 1645, there appears to be two other causes for the ramshackle state. Reports mention poorly executed renovations and repairs to the Palace. In 1980, the last time that the Palace was renovated, the architect did not do his work "thoroughly". "The repairs of the cracks are very superficial and not very knowledgeably done." states an inspection report from 1992. The other reason is that for a long time Queen Beatrix did not want construction workers in the palace and delayed repairs. "Her Majesty the Queen has been very hesitant when it comes to maintenance or modifications to Huis ten Bosch Palace", according to a confidential memorandum from 2012. The documents that NRC requested show that the new royal couple will engage the renovation to realize wishes regarding the interior and surroundings of the palace. The renovations will include adding vanity lighting, furnishing the living areas differently to ensure more privacy, addressing the tennis court and adding a "lackey call system". Most of the royal couple's wishes remain secret as it concerns the privacy of the king and queen. After the renovation, perhaps in 2017, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima wants to move from Wassenaar to the Palace.