King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace after its major £369 million refurbishment is completed, palace officials have confirmed.
The decision marks a historic change for the British monarchy, as Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the monarch since Queen Victoria moved there in 1837. Instead, the King and Queen are expected to continue living at Clarence House, their long-time London home.
The renovation project, known as the Buckingham Palace Reservicing Programme, began in 2017 and is expected to finish in 2027. It was designed to replace ageing electrical wiring, plumbing, heating systems, boilers, lifts, and other essential services inside the historic palace.
Although Buckingham Palace will no longer be used as the King and Queen’s main home, it will remain at the centre of royal life. Officials say the palace will continue to serve as the monarchy’s ceremonial and operational headquarters, hosting state visits, receptions, garden parties, investitures, and other official events.
The decision has sparked debate because the refurbishment has been funded through public money via the Sovereign Grant. The project was approved as a necessary repair programme to protect one of Britain’s most famous historic buildings from serious risks such as fire, flood, and infrastructure failure.
Palace officials argue that the work is not simply a luxury renovation, but an essential effort to preserve Buckingham Palace for future generations. The building contains hundreds of rooms and welcomes thousands of visitors each year, making safety, accessibility, and long-term maintenance major concerns.
However, critics say the decision not to live there raises questions about why such a large public-funded project was needed if the monarch will not return as a permanent resident. Anti-monarchy campaigners and transparency groups have also renewed calls for greater scrutiny of royal finances.
Supporters of the King’s decision say it reflects a modern approach to the monarchy. Rather than using Buckingham Palace mainly as a private residence, Charles is expected to open more of the building to the public and use it more widely for official and national events.
The move also fits with the King’s long-standing preference for Clarence House, where he has lived for many years. The smaller residence is located near Buckingham Palace and is considered more suitable for the King and Queen’s daily private life.
The announcement came as royal financial reports also revealed new details about the monarchy’s public funding and private tax payments. The Sovereign Grant, which funds official royal duties and palace maintenance, is set to rise before being reduced after the palace works are completed.
King Charles has also made a historic move by disclosing his personal tax payments. Reports say he paid £12.9 million in tax for the 2024-25 financial year, becoming the first modern British monarch to publicly reveal such detailed personal tax information.
Prince William also disclosed his tax payment, reportedly paying £7.76 million. The disclosures appear to be part of a broader effort by the royal family to improve financial transparency at a time when public debate over royal funding remains intense.
Buckingham Palace is still expected to remain one of the most important symbols of the British monarchy. Even without the King and Queen living there full-time, it will continue to be the backdrop for major national moments, royal appearances, diplomatic events, and public ceremonies.
For many people, the decision represents a major shift in how the monarchy uses its most famous building. Buckingham Palace may become less of a royal home and more of a working national institution.
The debate is likely to continue as the refurbishment nears completion in 2027. For supporters, the project preserves a historic landmark and opens the door to wider public access. For critics, it raises fresh questions about public money, royal privilege, and the future role of the monarchy.
Either way, the decision confirms that Buckingham Palace’s future will look different from its past. After nearly two centuries as the monarch’s main London residence, the palace is now being reshaped for a new era.
