When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, her son, King Charles III, stepped into the spotlight to take on the mantle of leadership as the U.K.’s sovereign. As he embraced his newfound responsibilities, many people naturally wondered where he and his wife, Queen Camilla, currently reside while Charles adjusts to his new role. Let’s dive into the royal living arrangements and get some answers.
Clarence House: The Royal Couple’s London Base
For King Charles III and Queen Camilla, home is where the heart is—and that heart resides at Clarence House in London. This elegant estate has been their primary residence since they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony back in 2005. Interestingly, Clarence House holds a special place in Charles's life; it's where he spent much of his early years before his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, ascended the throne in 1952. The house itself was built in the 1820s, giving it a rich historical charm that blends seamlessly with modern-day royal life.
Clarence House is nestled just a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace, where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip primarily lived during her reign. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. And, of course, Queen Elizabeth herself left this world on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Her legacy lives on, and her memory was honored by her son, Charles, on the first anniversary of her passing.
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“On this day marking the first anniversary of the late Queen’s death and my accession to the throne, we fondly remember her extraordinary life, unwavering dedication, and the profound impact she had on so many of us,” Charles reflected on September 8, 2023. “I am incredibly grateful for the love and support that my wife and I have received during this past year as we strive to serve you all to the best of our abilities.”
While Clarence House remains their main London address, Charles and Camilla also enjoy spending time at their other residences scattered across the U.K. These include the serene Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, Birkhall on the picturesque Balmoral Estate, and the cozy Llwynywermod in Wales.
Buckingham Palace: A Future Home for the King and Queen?
Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of British monarchs since 1837. It’s an iconic symbol of royal tradition and grandeur. However, since his coronation on May 6, 2023, King Charles III has not yet announced any plans to make Buckingham Palace his primary residence. While the palace welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year, it’s currently undergoing significant renovations to its interior.
Back in November 2016, U.K. officials revealed that Buckingham Palace would embark on a massive $460 million renovation project spanning a decade. The aim is to safeguard the palace’s future and protect its priceless treasures.
“This project is crucial to preventing potential risks like fire, flood, and damage to both the building and the Royal Collection of art, which belongs to the nation,” explained the U.K. Treasury in an official statement at the time.
Renovations kicked off in April 2017, with thousands of valuable Royal Collection items temporarily relocated from The East Wing to make way for the updates. Despite the construction, the palace has remained fully operational. Once the restoration work wraps up, it remains to be seen whether Charles and Camilla will choose to move in or continue residing at Clarence House.
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“The palace’s electrical cabling, plumbing, and heating systems date back to the 1950s,” notes the official royal website. “A complete overhaul of the building’s infrastructure is urgently needed to prevent long-term damage to the structure and its contents.”
