How many organisations does it take to change a royal lightbulb? Six

How many organisations have to be consulted before the King can change a lightbulb at Buckingham Palace? Six, apparently.

The King, a long-time environmental campaigner, wants to change the 71 gas-powered lanterns in Buckingham Palace’s courtyards to energy-efficient LED bulbs. This would require changing the mantles to ensure they can hold the bulbs.

Before any work can be done, the Palace must seek the views of six organisations, starting with Historic England, the Metropolitan Police, the Gardens Trust, the Royal Parks and the National Amenity Societies. The application will then go through Westminster council, which has asked the organisations involved for feedback.

The new LED lightbulbs would be placed in the forecourt and Ambassadors’ Court at Buckingham Palace, which are largely used for ceremonies and events. The forecourt is where the Changing of the Guard takes place.

Gas lanterns have been used at Buckingham Palace since 1901. The original gas lanterns were mounted on iron pedestals.

During the Second World War, the ironwork was melted down to make armaments and aircraft, according to Suggs Lighting Company, which installed the lanterns.

In 2002, Westminster council undertook a gas-lamp review, with 300 of its 14,000 street lights powered by gas.

While they have significant historical value, the council said the lamps were becoming increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. It committed to maintaining 174 of the gas-powered lamps.

LED bulbs last longer than normal lightbulbs and use less energy than gas lighting.

In 2021, the King, then Prince Charles, presented the £1 million Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering to five engineers who pioneered LED lighting.