London, Dec 20 : The Queen may have to close Buckingham Palace during Christmas due to its parlous state.

A huge chunk of stonework recently fell from the palace facade –almost striking a patrolling royal policeman.

The policeman is said to have not made a formal complaint about the drama, which happened earlier this month, but it is one of a number of incidents, which point to the palace crumbling and in a poor state of repair.

Similar incident took place when a piece of masonry narrowly missed Princess Anne’s car in the palace courtyard.

The staff has also suffered countless smaller incidents with cracked flooring and threadbare carpets.

Royal legal experts are also concerned with the state of the palace, reports the Daily Star.

They fear the risks to staff and the thousands of visitors who pour through the gates each summer.

Her Majesty will discuss the effects of closing the palace during the Christmas holiday at Sandringham with other senior royals.

Royal aides are also set to ask the Government for a further 44 million pounds to carry out essential repairs to the royal palaces next year. (ANI)