State functions, public access and office space: the plans for revamped Buckingham Palace | Monarchy

Not all modern British monarchs have welcomed the prospect of moving into Buckingham Palace with unmitigated joy. So King Charles, who announced he would never live there once the £369 million redevelopment is completed next year, has at least grasped the nettle.

Queen Victoria was at first horrified by the damp, dirty and untidy building that welcomed her and her husband, Prince Albert, in 1837. It was Albert who remodeled the building as “Monarchy Headquarters”. After his death in 1861, Victoria retired mainly to Windsor, Balmoral and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Previously, Queen Victoria’s uncle, Henry IV. William never liked the place and stayed at Clarence House instead; The royal residence just around the corner from the Mall where Charles chose to live. Even IV. William even tried to refer it to parliament when the Palace of Westminster, comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords, burned down in 1834; this proposal was quickly rejected by MPs.

Queen Elizabeth II, who also wanted to stay with Prince Philip at Clarence House. Elizabeth had to be guided tightly to Buckingham Palace by the uncompromising attitude of her first prime minister, Winston Churchill.

Prince William, however, appears to share his father’s thoughts, letting it be known that he and Catherine, Princess of Wales consider their Windsor estate, Forest Lodge, their “forever home.”

Buckingham Palace’s status as the official residence of London’s royal family attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year and has provided a historic setting for official visits to world leaders for almost two centuries.

Palace aides stress that no one will notice the difference whether Charles sleeps there or not: it will remain a “buzzing hive” of royal activities. The sovereign flag will still fly on the flagpole to indicate that Charles is in London; To indicate that Charles is in London, as he has been since his accession, for 10 years of building work to overhaul the 1950s infrastructure and make it fit for purpose for another half-century, expected to be completed next year.

When in London, Charles is regularly seen criss-crossing the Mall between his home at Clarence House and his office, and will continue to do so. State events, including banquets, royal dinners, receptions, audiences, honors and garden parties, will all remain at Buckingham Palace. World leaders can also stay there during state visits if they wish.

Charles and Camilla can pop into the late Queen’s refurbished private quarters to change clothes, get some rest or just take a break from the countless staff who crowd the place throughout the day.

Although they are used to being surrounded by household staff, living above the office may be a factor for Charles and Camilla. Many employees also live on site. According to the royal website, which has yet to change its definition of “official London residence”, its 775 rooms include 188 staff bedrooms and 92 offices.

More offices may be on the way. The Palace is planning more effective use of space, which will allow teams based at St James’s Palace to cross the road, freeing up space that can be rented commercially to increase revenue at St James’s.

The couple are said to have made themselves at home at the much more intimate Clarence House, which was once home to the king’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Their ages – Charles is 77 and Camilla is 78 – and the fact that the king has cancer will make the huge upheaval of the move unappealing. The administrative process will also be complex and will not require additional costs.

The main reason given by a palace always willing to argue its fiscal prudence with public money is that it would increase public access to a national monument. Buckingham Palace remains popular with tourists and offers a variety of tours; It costs £93, one of the most expensive guided visits to the newly refurbished East Wing. This year the palace reported “strong visitor numbers”.

The summer opening in July and September, when the King is at Balmoral, could be extended. The latest report from the Royal Collection, which comprises art and works entrusted to the nation, the proceeds of which go to support the monarchy, showed a record 683,000 visits in 2024-25.

Other parts of the palace can also be opened without the risk of disturbing the couple or the serious security implications of living there. For example, the Consort’s Library, once used by Albert, will become a formal reception room where Camilla will entertain her guests, but will also be used for educational purposes and will become the centerpiece of palace tours.

One of the justifications for the expensive upgrade was to ensure Buckingham Palace was fit for purpose as a world-class world “residence” and showcase to the world. First-class royal office may not have the same appeal.