BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Sarah Campbell opened Friday's (June 26) live broadcast with a major Buckingham Palace update: King Charles and Queen Camilla have decided not to move into the palace following its £369 million refurbishment.
Royal Residence Decision
Launching the show, Sarah Campbell stated: "Good Morning it is Friday 26th June. Our main story, it has been revealed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not reside at Buckingham Palace following a £369m refurbishment." Charlie Stayt added: "The latest from Royal accounts also show the King has paid £12.9m in tax in the last financial year ending in April 2025 becoming the first monarch to disclose his tax bill."
Clarence House Remains Official Home
BBC correspondent Tom Symonds clarified that while Buckingham Palace will continue to serve as the administrative headquarters of the monarchy, the King has chosen to keep Clarence House as his official residence. This decision, officials stated, was made to allow for increased public access to the landmark. A 10-year renovation of Buckingham Palace, financed through a temporary rise in the Sovereign Grant, is set to be finished in March.
Keeper of the Privy Purse Statement
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, announced: "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 royal couple will still utilise private rooms within the Palace during working hours. Chalmers continued: "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."
