Buckingham Palace has been the British monarch’s official residence in London for nearly two centuries. But royal officials say King Charles and Queen Camilla won’t reside there.
After renovations, the king won't be living at Buckingham Palace, but don't expect a 'to let' sign outside eitherImage: picture alliance/dts-Agentur
Advertisement
King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment program finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday.
The king and Queen Camilla will instead continue to live at Clarence House, his longstanding London home nearby.
James Chalmers, the king's treasurer and keeper of the privy purse, said Buckingham Palace would remain the primary venue for ceremonial and official functions, including receiving foreign dignitaries.
"It is and will remain monarchy HQ, the crown jewel our national buildings," Chalmers told reporters.
Buckingham Palace would remain the primary venue for ceremonial and official functions, say royal officials [FILE: May 6, 2023]Image: LEON NEAL/AFP
Buckingham Palace — the center of the British monarchy for nearly 200 years
Buckingham Palace has been the British monarch's primary London residence for nearly two centuries, since Queen Victoria became sovereign in 1837.
The 775-room building has not only served as the official residence of the monarch but also provided office space for the royal bureaucracy and hosted lavish state dinners for visiting foreign leaders.
The palace is currently undergoing a major renovation.
The work started in 2017 and is expected to conclude next year, with the total cost projected at 369 million pounds (€428.2 million, $486.7 million).
The project includes replacing aging electrical wiring, pipes and heating.
Some 700,000 people visit the building every year. There will be greater public access, the official said, without providing details.
Advertisement
Charles releases tax declaration
On Thursday, Charles also released to the public the details of his personal taxes paid to the government, marking the first time he has done so since becoming the monarch in 2022.
Officials disclosed the king paid 12.9 million pounds in tax in 2024/25.
The figure places the king among Britain's top 100 taxpayers.
By law, the British king is not obliged to pay income, capital gains or inheritance tax.
All eyes are on London and King Charles III's coronation on May 6. From Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, join us on a tour of some of the top sights in the city associated with the royal family.
Image: Vuk Valcic/Zumapress/dpa/picture alliance
Buckingham Palace
This iconic palace is at the center of royal celebration and mourning and has held many events over its long history. Since 1837, its been both the monarch's administrative headquarters and official London residence. King Charles III, however, broke from tradition and did not immediately move into the 775-room palace after his mother's death. His coronation ceremony will take place on May 6.
When it comes to the Royal family, this famous church has seen it all — it has been Britain's coronation church since 1066. Queen Elizabeth II was married here and also had her coronation here in 1953 in an event which was broadcast live on TV. Next up is Charles who will become Britain's 40th reigning monarch to be crowned during a ceremony in the opulent hall.
Image: Dan Kitwood/PA Wire/picture alliance
The changing of the guard
The changing of the guard ceremony happens every second day at 10:45 a.m. in front of Buckingham Palace and lasts about 45 minutes. It can be viewed from different angles, but we recommend watching from the Victoria Memorial, where the raised steps give you a view from higher up. Or, if you want to brave the crowds, from the Buckingham Palace Gate. Be sure to get there early for the best view!
Image: Rasid Necati Aslim/AA/picture alliance
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is perhaps London's most iconic building and — surprise, surprise — has many connections to the royal family. In 1886, Queen Victoria's son, future King Edward VII laid the first stone. The bridge is decorated with the royal coat of arms and was painted red, white and blue in 1977 to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee. Yet, it wasn't until 2010 that a reigning monarch visited it.
Image: Martin Wagner/IMAGO
A royal clock tower: Big Ben
It's so royal that the tower that houses Big Ben was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Located in the Westminster complex, the famous clock was completed in 1859 and was the world's largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock. If you want to visit, be prepared to climb 334 steps in a narrow space. The views are worth it!
Image: Dominic Lipinski/empics/picture alliance
St. Paul's Cathedral
This impressive church is an iconic part of London's skyline but it hasn't always had it easy. The church was distroyed four times over the years, although the current building, designed by famous English architect Christopher Wren, has been standing for three centuries. The church is perhaps best known as the place where Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married in 1981.
Image: David Herraez Calzada/Zoonar/picture alliance
Tea time at Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason department store in Mayfair, London, established in 1707 and beloved for its tea, has a long history with the royal family. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II used to do her annual Christmas shopping there and reportedly drank a cup of the brand's Earl Grey tea with breakfast every morning. You can book a reservation for afternoon tea there to treat yourself like royalty.
Image: Li Ying/Xinhua News Agency/picture alliance
Hampton Court Palace
A bit out of the center of London in the quiet borough of Richmond upon Thames, you'll find Hampton Court Palace. It was the home of Henry VIII who used to throw lavish banquets and events which characterized the royal opulence of the Tudor era. These days, however, the palace and its 60 acres of gardens can be visited by the rest of us common folk.
Once royal property, the gardens and their greenhouses now comprise the Royal Botanic Gardens and are open to the public. Their origins date all the way back to the 18th century, to 1759 when Princess Augusta, mother of King George III, founded a nine-acre (36,421 sq meter) botanic garden at Kew. The grounds and spectacular collection of plant species is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Image: Ian Murray/imageBROKER/picture alliance
Windsor Castle
You can't miss Windsor Castle if you follow the royals' footsteps even if you have to leave London to visit it. The origins of the castle go back in the 11th century when William the Conqueror had it built to guard part of London. Since then, 40 monarchs have called the palace home, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. It's the largest occupied castle in the world, and it can also be visited.
Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire/picture alliance
10 images1 | 10
Private income worth millions
The British monarch receives money from the government, known as the Sovereign Grant, to pay for staff, royal palaces and travel.
But Charles, like all monarchs since 1399, also receives millions of pounds in private income from the vast Duchy of Lancaster estate as well as his other investments.
Meanwhile, Prince William, heir to the throne, paid 7.76 million pounds in tax in 2024/25.