King Charles and Queen Camilla will not take up residence at Buckingham Palace once the landmark's £370 million refurbishment is completed, the palace confirmed on Thursday. Instead, Clarence House will remain the King's official London home for the duration of his reign.
Operational Centre Remains 'Monarchy HQ'
Buckingham Palace will continue to function as the operational centre of the monarchy, hosting ceremonial events and official business. A palace spokesperson stated: "His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life. It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way."
The decision was partly driven by a desire to increase public access. Security concerns would have limited visitor numbers and areas if the King resided there. The King and Queen will have access to private rooms within the palace for daytime use and potential future accommodation.
Royal Accounts Released
The announcement came alongside the publication of royal accounts on Thursday, which included several key financial disclosures. King Charles became the first monarch to publish his tax bill, paying £12.9 million for 2024-25 and £11.7 million for 2023-24, totalling over £30 million in tax since his accession in 2022.
The Prince of Wales also released his tax details for the first time, paying £7.76 million in income and capital gains tax for 2024-25 and £8.34 million for 2023-24. The Sovereign Grant, which funds the King's official duties, increased by £45.8 million to £132.1 million in 2025-26.
Cost of Overseas Travel
The accounts revealed that Prince William undertook the most expensive official overseas trip, a round trip by charter plane to Saudi Arabia in February costing £130,106. The core element of the Sovereign Grant, covering travel, property maintenance, and payroll, has nearly doubled in three years, rising from £51.8 million in 2024-25 to £99.9 million in 2027-28.
Historic Shift from Tradition
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as the official court in 1837. The palace has been undergoing a 10-year reservicing project to replace boilers, electrical cables, and pipes, costing £369 million, to reduce fire and flood risk. The project is due for completion next March.
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said: "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."
The decision marks a departure from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had an apartment at the palace. Speculation has also arisen that Prince William, who recently moved his family to Forest Lodge in Windsor, may not live at Buckingham Palace when he becomes King.
