King Charles and Queen Camilla make decision on London home after £370 million Buckingham Palace refurbishment
King Charles and Queen Camilla will not be residing at Buckingham Palace even after its extensive £370 million renovation is completed.
Although the iconic landmark will continue to serve as the operational headquarters of the monarchy, Charles has decided that it will not become his official residence during his reign.
Instead, Clarence House will remain his London home.
“Her Majesty has a great affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” a palace spokesman said. “By all accounts it will be a bustling hive of royal activity.”
The decision was made in part to increase public access to the London landmark popular with visitors; because if the King were to reside, security concerns would limit the numbers and areas people could visit.
A number of royal accounts were released on Thursday and major announcements were made, including:
- The king became the first monarch to issue a tax bill; £12.9 million for 2024-25 and £11.7 million for 2023-24; A total of more than £30 million in taxes has been paid by Charles since he became King in 2022.
- The Prince of Wales revealed his tax details for the first time, paying £7.76 million of income and capital gains tax in 2024-25, and £8.34 million in 2023-24.
- The Sovereign Grant, which funds Charles’ official duties and the affairs of his household, has increased by £45.8 million to £132.1 million in 2025-26.
- The grant has a core element covering costs such as travel, property maintenance and payroll, which has almost doubled over three years, rising from £51.8 million in 2024-25 to £99.9 million in 2027-28.
- William took his most expensive official foreign trip in February, traveling round-trip to Saudi Arabia on chartered aircraft at a cost of £130,106.
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said: “Following careful consideration and in order to greatly increase public access opportunities, I can inform you that the King and Queen have decided not to adopt Buckingham Palace as a personal residence and will instead continue to use Clarence House as their London home.
“However, Their Majesty will have access to private rooms within the palace where they can retire for a working day and could be used as potential accommodation in the coming times.”
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as an official court seat, in 1837, and after her marriage to Prince Albert, she transformed the palace to accommodate their growing family, entertain guests and conduct official business.
The massive building in London is undergoing a 10-year refurbishment project costing £369 million, which will see boilers, electrical wiring and pipes replaced to reduce the risk of fire and flood, and is due to be completed next March.
Mr Chalmers added: “This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future. But let me also make clear that Buckingham Palace will continue to be both the ceremonial and operational center of royal life in all other aspects.”
“This is and remains the Headquarters of the Monarchy, the crown jewel of our national buildings; when Her Majesty is in London, the monarch’s banner flies proudly from the roof, as it has since accession.”
There was a general expectation that the King would live at Buckingham Palace as he was on very close terms with the late Queen, who had a flat which would be available to Charles and Camilla for the duration of the day when booking work was completed.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “This will remain a workhouse but we are seeking to expand public access to fully maximize the national benefit of a publicly funded building.”
There is speculation that William, who recently moved his family to Forest Lodge in Windsor, will not live at Buckingham Palace when he becomes King.
Charles will continue to host a variety of events at the palace, from garden parties to receptions, and hold audiences with new ambassadors.
When the King is in London, the royal banner flies from both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, regardless of which estate he resides in.
