King Charles III and Queen Camila are unlikely to ever live in Buckingham Palace again after the royal headquarters underwent $500,000 in renovations.
The royals were scheduled to return to the London estate in March 2027 when the revamp was completed, but will instead continue to stay at the nearby Clarence House, Privy Purse James Chalmers told the Sun.
“Their Majesties will, however, have access to private rooms within the Palace where they can retire during the course of a working day, and which could be utilised as potential residential accommodation in times ahead,” Chalmers said.
According to the outlet, Buckingham Palace has an estimated 700,000 visitors per year, and the royals want to give the public more access.
“It will remain a working home but we are seeking to widen public access precisely to maximize the national benefit of a publicly funded building,” a spokesperson for the palace told the outlet.
Charles plans on hosting events, such as receptions, garden parties and meetings with new ambassadors at the Palace.
“The Palace will continue in every traditional way to be the beating heart of the Monarchy, just not its resting head,” the rep continued.
“It will be a buzzing hive of activity in every other way,” the rep added. “His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life.”
Additionally, Prince William reportedly has no plans to move with his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, and their three kids to the palace once he takes over as king.
The family of five will allegedly continue to stay at their “forever home” at Forest Lodge in Windsor.
Members of the British monarch have resided in Buckingham Palace since 1837, with Queen Victoria — who reigned for 63 years from 1837 to 1901 — being the first.
Following Victoria were King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910, King George V from 1910 to 1936, King Edward VIII in 1936, King George VI from 1936 to 1952 and Queen Elizabeth II from 1952 to 2022.
Charles, meanwhile, is choosing to stay at Clarence House with Camila, whom he wed in 2005, amid his ongoing cancer battle.
The monarch announced he was diagnosed with cancer in February after he underwent surgery for benign prostate enlargement the month prior.
In December, he gave an update on his journey, sharing that his “schedule of cancer treatment” was being “reduced in the new year” and he has “responded exceptionally well to treatment.”
