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I was at Alexander Palace in late January this year. What really struck me as needing urgent attention was the side of the Palace not open to tourists. It is really in an appalling state. What you can see inside is interesting for what it is. They really are struggling to get tourists there. All the tours go to the Catherine Palace which is truly magnificent but unless I had asked my guide I would have never been taken to the Alexander Palace. I am pleased to know that money has been donated. I hope this will be spent on the roof and the restoring the outside of the non-open wing. It is in a sad and desperate state. As for eventual restoration of the interiors do not panic as this will be done very well indeed. I visited Pavlovsk, Peterhof and Gatchina. Now Gatchina really needs attention. It is remarkable though what is happening there. Sadly nothing has yet been done about the wing where Alexander III and Marie Feodorovna lived. I dream that this will be done one day as this is where Nicholas II grew up and spent so many happy years with his parents, sisters and brothers.
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