The king and queen currently reside at Clarence House
King Charles is reportedly unlikely to live in Buckingham Palace again, even after its alleged £369 million refurbishment is completed in 2027.
Despite the iconic London residence serving as the monarchy’s central working hub, insiders claim that the king – who continues to undergo treatment for cancer – and Queen Camilla will continue living at Clarence House, their long-standing home just a short walk away.
King Charles reportedly has no plans to move back to Buckingham Palace (Credit: Cover Images)
King Charles ‘will not move back to Buckingham Palace’
“One concession to his health and advancing years that has been made, however, is that it appears unlikely he will ever move from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace after the restoration is completed in three years’ time,” royal editor Camilla Tominey wrote in The Telegraph.
“Although it will remain the household’s office for the rest of his reign.”
Buckingham Palace, which boasts 775 rooms, has long been seen as the heart of the monarchy.
Although it will remain the household’s office for the rest of his reign.
Queen Elizabeth II made it her primary residence throughout her reign. However, King Charles has expressed a preference for a more manageable and modern living arrangement.
“I know he is no fan of ‘the big house,’ as he calls the palace,” a friend of the king reportedly told The Times in 2022. “He doesn’t see it as a viable future home or a house that’s fit for purpose in the modern world.”
The extensive restoration works at Buckingham Palace have already led to significant operational changes.
All state visits will now be hosted at Windsor Castle until 2027.
The king and queen currently reside at Clarence House (Credit: Cover Images)
‘Camilla doesn’t want to live at Buckingham Palace’
As Buckingham Palace undergoes major renovations, King Charles has reportedly moved his office to the Belgian Suite in the west-facing Garden Wing. This includes the Orleans Room, where he was born in 1948.
A palace insider noted the symbolic significance to The Times: “The king will enjoy the symmetry of discharging his duties as monarch in the room where he was born.”
The monarch is said to be personally paying for the redecoration of his future private suite in the north wing. It will not be ready for use until renovations finish in 2027.
“He is mindful that the public purse should not pay for personal touches,” a source confirmed to The Times.
Meanwhile, royal aides claim both Charles and Camilla are “very comfortable” at Clarence House and have no intention of leaving.
“It is certainly true that Camilla doesn’t want to live at Buckingham Palace,” the source noted.
It’s not just the king and queen who question the palace’s suitability for modern living. According to The Times, Prince William also believes Buckingham Palace is not well suited for a contemporary royal family lifestyle.
Initial plans suggested Charles and Camilla would move into the palace once works were complete.
However, insiders have clarified that any updates to their prospective living quarters are only for “potential residential occupation,” not a confirmed move.
Buckingham Palace has become the heart of the royal family (Credit: Cover Images)
Where does King Charles live?
King Charles lives at Clarence House in London with Queen Camilla. Located just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House has been their primary residence for years and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
