The UK's royal family has announced a major shift in their use of Buckingham Palace. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not be moving into the iconic building as their primary residence, despite a £369 million refurbishment project that is set to be completed next March.
The decision was made after careful consideration, according to James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse. The King and Queen have chosen to continue using Clarence House as their London home, but will maintain access to private rooms within the palace for working and potential residential use in the future.
The tradition of using Buckingham Palace as the official royal seat dates back to 1837, when Queen Victoria first occupied the building. The palace has undergone significant renovations over the years, including a 10-year refurbishment project that has replaced boilers, electrical cables, and pipes to reduce the risk of fire and flood.
The project, which is expected to be completed in March, has been costly, but will also provide wider public access to the palace. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the building will remain a working home, but efforts will be made to maximize the national benefit of a publicly funded building.
The news has sparked frustration from some campaigners, who argue that the expense of the refurbishments could have been better spent. Graham Smith, chief executive officer of Republic, a group that campaigns for an elected head of state, stated that the grant for the royal family will remain inflated, despite concerns about the cost.
Despite the controversy, Buckingham Palace has seen a significant increase in visitors since its reopening in 2024. Between 2024 and 2025, over 683,000 visitors strolled through the palace, generating over £90 million in ticket sales and a net profit of around £14 million.
The palace will still be used for official royal business, including garden parties, receptions, and audiences with new ambassadors. Charles has lived at Clarence House since 2003 and will continue to host events at the palace, but will not be moving in as his primary residence.
The Prince of Wales has also released his tax details for the first time, paying £7.76 million in income and capital gains tax in 2024-25, and £8.34 million in 2023-24. The Sovereign Grant, which funds Charles's official duties and the work of his household, increased by £45.8 million to £132.1 million in 2025-26.
The decision not to move into Buckingham Palace has left some questions unanswered about the future use of the building. However, one thing is clear: the palace will continue to play a significant role in the UK's royal family, even if it is not the primary residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
