Buckingham Palace may never again serve as the primary residence for a British monarch, as it has been confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla do not plan to return to the historic estate.
Royal couple opts to reside outside Buckingham Palace post £369m renovation
Currently undergoing extensive renovations estimated at £369 million, Buckingham Palace will not host the King and Queen even after the project concludes in March. Instead, the royal couple prefers to remain at Clarence House, located nearby.
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said: “I can update you that after careful consideration, and to greatly increase opportunities for public access, 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, the king and queen will still use private rooms within the Palace – which has been a London residence of the British monarch since 1837 – during the working day.
James added: “Their Majesties will, however, have access to private rooms within the Palace where they can retire during the course of a working day, and which could be utilised as potential residential accommodation in times ahead.
“This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future.
“Let me be clear, however, in all other ways the Palace will continue to be both the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life.”
It’s thought Prince William also won’t live in Buckingham Palace when he becomes king, because he is said to be happy at Forest Lodge in Windsor with his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.
However, Buckingham Palace will still be widely used by the Royal Family, such as Charles hosting events, including garden parties, at the residence.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Palace will continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the Monarchy, just not its resting head.
“It will be a buzzing hive of activity in every other way.
“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life.
“It will remain a working home but we are seeking to widen public access precisely to maximise the national benefit of a publicly-funded building.”