King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace following the completion of its £369 million renovation, opting instead to remain at Clarence House. The decision makes Charles the first British monarch since Queen Victoria in 1837 to decline using the 775-room central London complex as their official residence.
Renovation and Residence Details
The 10-year refurbishment program, funded through a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, is set for completion in March. Despite the palace's renewal, the king and queen, both in their late 70s, chose to avoid the upheaval of relocating themselves and their staff, according to the BBC. They have lived together at Clarence House since their marriage in 2005.
Royal officials emphasized that the king and queen will continue to work from Buckingham Palace, which will remain the ceremonial and operational centre of the monarchy. “His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” a palace spokesperson told the BBC. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way.”
Renovation Scope and Public Access
The renovation includes replacing ageing cables, lead pipes, wiring, and boilers, many for the first time in 60 years. James Chalmers, who manages the monarch’s personal and household expenses, said the king and queen will have access to private rooms within the palace during working days, which could serve as potential residential accommodation in the future. “This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future,” Chalmers said. “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.”
The decision will allow the palace to increase public access, hosting more events and expanding visitor numbers and tours. The palace already receives about 700,000 visitors annually and opens its State Rooms to visitors each summer and on selected dates throughout the year.
Tax Transparency
The announcement was contained in accounts showing the king has become the first monarch to release their tax payments. Charles was among the UK’s top 100 taxpayers in 2024-2025, paying £12.9 million for the period.
