King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace once the £369million refurbishment is complete, and one royal expert believes it makes 'perfect sense.' Hugo Vickers, a royal biographer, told the Sunday Times that Clarence House is 'a home not an office,' setting it apart from the palace.
Why Clarence House Is Different
Vickers has visited Clarence House multiple times since Charles moved in 2003, with Camilla joining two years later after their marriage. He described standout features like the garden room, which contains copies of the Queen Mother's favourite biographies. The Queen Mother lived there from 1953 until her death in 2002, and Charles has kept most of her pictures.
In contrast, Vickers likened Buckingham Palace to a 'large Edwardian hotel,' calling it 'soulless' and noting that 'there is a lot going on there which has nothing to do with home life.' He recalled visiting Prince Philip's sister at the palace, which felt like going to a 'deserted prep school.'
Charles's Long-Standing Preference
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served Charles from 2004 to 2011, revealed that the King confided his preference 'years ago.' Harrold told Reach PLC: 'The King actually told me about his plans to keep Clarence House as his main residence years ago, long before he became monarch. So the news isn't really a surprise, I think it's always been on the cards.'
Buckingham Palace is undergoing a 10-year resurfacing project due to finish next year. Despite this, Charles and Camilla will use the palace for state banquets, garden parties, and traditional balcony appearances, while Clarence House will host more informal events.
Future Royal Residences
It is also understood that Prince William and Kate Middleton will remain at their 'forever home,' Forest Lodge in Windsor, when the time comes for them to become King and Queen.
