King Charles and Queen Camilla will never live at Buckingham Palace, despite taxpayers funding a £369 million renovation of the historic building. The decision marks the first time a monarch has not resided there since Queen Victoria moved in almost 200 years ago.
Refurbishment Completed, But No Royal Residence
When Charles became King nearly four years ago, he continued to live at nearby Clarence House as the palace underwent a 10-year re-servicing project replacing boilers, electrical cables, and pipes to reduce fire and flood risks. The project is due to be completed next March, and it had been assumed that he would eventually move into the palace like his mother, the late Queen.
However, even though the building will remain the operational centre of “monarchy HQ,” Charles has decided it will not be his official residence during his reign. Clarence House will remain his London home.
Historical Significance and Public Reaction
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as the official seat of court in 1837. After marrying Prince Albert, she transformed the palace to accommodate their growing family, entertain guests, and conduct official business. Elizabeth II last stayed overnight at the palace on March 18, 2020, before moving to Windsor Castle during the pandemic.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.” James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, 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.”
Criticism and Calls for Opening the Palace
With no monarch living there, some have called for more of the palace to be opened to visitors. Expert on royal finances and author Norman Baker told the Mirror: “It seems that a lot of money has just been wasted. If Charles doesn’t want to live there, that’s fine, but it should be totally opened up full-time with all the ticket sales going back to the treasury to pay for the refurbishment work. It’s outrageous.”
Royal expert Jennie Bond warned that the building may lose some of its magic. She said: “There’s no denying that part of the attraction of the Palace was always to stand by the railings and look up to see if there was a curtain twitching and a crowned head peeking out! It’s all a fantasy, of course, because the private apartments are tucked back and, in any case, no one has lived at the Palace now for nearly 7 years. Has anyone noticed? Probably not. There will still be a chance to see the King or other members of the family popping into the Palace for meetings or events. The garden parties will still take place, and the Changing of the Guard will be the same spectacle. But there’s no denying that a bit of the magic will have been rubbed away.”
