Las cosas de palacio van despacio

Las cosas de palacio van despacio
 

In English?
Important things take their time.

Is that the meaning? I had always thought it was used ironically to criticize bureaucracy....

It´s not always used ironically, sometimes is used to relax sombody impatient.

For the ironical usage of the idiom:
(All) Things take time. / Things take their (sweet) time. / Everything takes time.
(Good/Important) things take time.
Good things come to those who wait.
Good things are worth the wait.

For the other usage:
The wheels of government/bureaucracy turn/grind slowly.
at government speed

Gracias Rusty, you´re my saviour.

hi robin et al - i'm reminded of an often-used saying in english:
"Rome wasn't built in a day.".

hermit

I heard that one before, and it fits like a glove too.

No se construyó Zamora en una hora.