King Charles and Queen Camilla have chosen to maintain Clarence House as their primary residence, even after the extensive £369 million renovation of Buckingham Palace concludes next year. Official royal records confirm that while the palace will retain its status as the administrative hub of the monarchy, the King has opted against moving into the historic site.
This strategic shift aims to improve public accessibility to the famous landmark. The decade-long project, supported by a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, focuses on updating outdated infrastructure such as boilers, electrical wiring, and lead piping to address fire and flood risks. These upgrades are largely the first of their kind in over 60 years.
Since marrying in 2005, the King and Queen have resided at Clarence House. Given their ages, the couple prefers to avoid the disruption of relocating their staff and personal effects to the much larger Buckingham Palace. Furthermore, staying at their current residence ensures that public access to the state rooms remains unaffected by high-security requirements that would accompany the King’s permanent residency.
While Buckingham Palace will no longer be their private home, it will continue to serve as the center for ceremonial events, state banquets, and meetings with the Prime Minister. James Chalmers, the Keeper of the Privy Purse, noted that the royals will still have access to private quarters for daily use. The latest financial reports also highlight that King Charles has become the first monarch to voluntarily disclose his tax payments, contributing millions in both 2024 and 2025.