King Charles and Queen Camilla confirm they’ll never live at Buckingham Palace despite £369million refurb

The King and Queen will never live at Buckingham Palace despite nearly £370million being spent on upgrading it over a decade.

Charles and Camilla will remain at Clarence House even once the mammoth project is completed next year.

The Palace will remain the monarchy’s headquarters in London, however, and the royal couple will retain some private rooms there for their use during the working day or an overnight stay if hosting a visiting head of state, for example.

“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” said a palace spokesperson. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way.“

Why won’t King Charles and Queen Camilla live at Buckingham Palace?

Charles will continue to host audiences there, along with garden parties and other receptions, and his royal standard will continue to fly from the roof when he is in London.

The King believes the palace should be used for “greater public benefit rather than greater private benefit,” they added. 

“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.“

Where does the royal family live instead?

Buckingham Palace has not been used as the monarch’s residence for the past six years.

The late Queen departed it on 18 March 2020, when she and Prince Philip moved to Windsor to live there during the pandemic lockdown, 183 years after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert moved in with their growing family and established it as the official seat of court.

Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to view their current Forest Lodge property at Windsor as their “forever home”, suggesting that they have no plans to make the Palace their official residence in future.

The King, who has lived at Clarence House while in London since 2003, is settled there, but goes back and forth to the Palace most days while in the capital to carry out his duties. 

What will Buckingham Palace be used for now?

His decision not to adopt it as his official residence will mean fewer security considerations, which might otherwise limit the number of visitors.

Announcing the update during the annual Sovereign Grant Report briefing, 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.

“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.”

Mr Chalmers added: “This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future. Let me be clear, however, that in all other ways Buckingham Palace will continue to be both the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life.

“It is and will remain Monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever His Majesty is in London, just as it has done since accession.”

The refurbishments at Buckingham Palace

The King and Queen will be able to use the late Queen’s private apartment once refurbishment is complete as part of the ongoing works to upgrade electrical cables, boilers, and other services in the historic building to prevent damage from fire or flooding.

As part of the upgrade, electric vehicle charging points have been installed across the estate, including the famous forecourt of the Palace. Another part of the landmark being restored will be known as The Consort’s Library.

Three rooms in the North Wing once used by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, will make up the space: one dedicated to Albert and Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, one to the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, and one for Queen Camilla.

Once completed, in late spring next year, the space will become an official audience room for her to receive guests, but will also be used for educational purposes and become a new attraction on Palace tours.