King Charles has decided not to move into Buckingham Palace even after its £369 million refurbishment is completed next spring, according to royal finance reports. The monarch and Queen Camilla will continue residing at Clarence House, their London home for over two decades. While the palace will remain the monarchy's official hub for state banquets, garden parties, and investitures, it will no longer serve as a private residence for the royals.
Why Royals Dislike Buckingham Palace
Many royals find Buckingham Palace lacks the homely atmosphere of smaller residences. The presence of thousands of tourists outside its gates contributes to a lack of privacy. Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who worked for the family for 15 years, told Coffee Friend: "She's never really liked the palace, it's always been the office to the (late) Queen. The Queen would always be whizzing off back to Windsor Castle; she can't wait to get back there." Queen Elizabeth II moved into the palace out of duty but viewed it as an office rather than a home.
Where Royals Live Instead
King Charles spends much of his time at Highgrove House, his private residence where he feels most at home. Prince William relocated his family from Kensington Palace to Windsor in 2022, seeking a more ordinary life in a smaller abode. Queen Elizabeth also lived primarily at Windsor Castle after 2020. Clarence House, just down the road from Buckingham Palace, serves as the King's London base.
Future of the Palace
Reports suggest Prince William will also avoid living at Buckingham Palace when he becomes king, viewing Forest Lodge in Windsor as his "forever home." A Palace spokesperson stated: "The Palace will continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the Monarchy, just not its resting head." Overnight stays may still occur, but the palace's role as a family home appears to have ended.
