King Charles to Forgo Buckingham Palace as Primary Residence Post-Refurbishment
Quick Look
- King Charles will not reside at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year renovation concludes next year, opting instead to remain at Clarence House.
- This marks the end of an era for the palace's role as the primary royal residence.
- Officials also revealed Charles paid £12.9 million in taxes for 2024/25.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, ending nearly two centuries of the landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence. Officials also disclosed the king paid £12.9 million in tax in 2024/25.
King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the central London landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.
Officials at the same time disclosed the king paid £12.9 million (US$17.04 million) in tax in 2024/25 – the first time the figure has been made public – placing him among Britain’s top 100 taxpayers.
Members of the royal family have promised greater transparency about their finances amid growing criticism following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
Charles decided to continue living at Clarence House, his long-standing London home nearby, when the £369 million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace concludes next year. The project includes replacing ageing electrical wiring, pipes and heating.
When work started in 2017, officials had expected the palace to remain the monarch’s primary London residence as it had been since Queen Victoria became sovereign in 1837.
James Chalmers, the king’s treasurer and keeper of the privy purse, said it would remain the primary venue for ceremonial and official functions including receiving foreign dignitaries.
Open Questions
- What will Buckingham Palace be used for primarily?
- Will other royals reside at Buckingham Palace?
