King Charles has confirmed he will never take up residence in Buckingham Palace after its £369 million refurbishment is completed next year. Despite the sovereign flag flying whenever he is in London, the monarch will continue to live at Clarence House, the same residence favored by his uncle William IV and his grandmother, the Queen Mother.
Historical Reluctance to Live in the Palace
Charles is not the first monarch to be unenthusiastic about moving into Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria was dismayed by its damp and dingy state in 1837, and it was Prince Albert who transformed it into “Monarchy HQ.” After Albert’s death in 1861, Victoria retreated to Windsor, Balmoral, and Osborne House. William IV also disliked the palace, staying at Clarence House and even offering the building to Parliament after the 1834 fire at the Palace of Westminster—an offer MPs quickly refused.
Queen Elizabeth II initially wanted to remain at Clarence House with Prince Philip, but was persuaded by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to move to Buckingham Palace. Prince William has reportedly expressed similar sentiments, considering Forest Lodge in Windsor as his “forever home.”
Future of the Palace as a Royal Hub
Palace aides stress that Charles’s decision will not affect the building’s role. Buckingham Palace will remain a “buzzing hive” of activity, hosting state banquets, royal dinners, receptions, audiences, honours ceremonies, and garden parties. World leaders on state visits can still stay there if they wish. The palace’s 775 rooms include 188 staff bedrooms and 92 offices, and further office space may be created by relocating teams from St James’s Palace, freeing up that building for commercial leasing to generate income.
Charles and Camilla can use the late Queen’s private rooms for changing clothes or resting during the day. The couple are said to feel more at home in the intimate Clarence House, which was once home to the Queen Mother. Their ages—Charles is 77, Camilla 78—and the king’s cancer diagnosis make the upheaval of moving unappealing. The administrative complexity and additional costs also factor into the decision.
Increased Public Access and Visitor Numbers
The main justification for the upgrade is to increase public access to the national monument. Buckingham Palace already attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. The Royal Collection reported a record 683,000 visits in 2024-25. One of the most expensive guided tours of the renovated East Wing costs £93. Summer opening hours, currently during July and September when the king is at Balmoral, may be extended.
New spaces, such as the Consort’s Library once used by Prince Albert, will become official audience rooms for Camilla and will also be used for educational purposes and tours. The £369 million renovation, which began in 2017, aims to modernize the 1950s infrastructure and ensure the palace remains fit for purpose for another 50 years.
Continued Royal Presence and Security
Charles is regularly seen crossing the Mall between Clarence House and his office at the palace, and this will continue. The sovereign flag will fly to indicate his presence in London. Aides emphasize that no one will notice any difference in royal activity, as the palace will remain a working hub. The decision also alleviates security concerns that would arise if the couple lived on site.
