King Charles and Queen Camilla will remain at Clarence House instead of moving into Buckingham Palace, giving royal watchers a closer look at the historic London residence they have called home for more than two decades.
In June 2026, Buckingham Palace confirmed through the annual Sovereign Grant Report that the royal couple would not relocate to Buckingham Palace after its major $487 million renovation is completed in 2027.
Instead, King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue living at Clarence House, their official London residence since 2003.
“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” a palace spokesperson said, explaining that Buckingham Palace will continue serving as a working royal residence while efforts are made to expand public access.
Located less than half a mile from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House is a five-bedroom royal home with a long history of housing members of the British royal family.
The residence was built between 1825 and 1827 for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV. Designed by famous architect John Nash, who also worked on projects connected to Buckingham Palace and Regent Street, the home was created as a more comfortable and practical alternative to some of the larger royal residences of the era.
Built in a restrained neoclassical style, Clarence House sits on the grounds of St. James’s Palace and is connected to the historic palace by a covered passageway, while maintaining its own entrance and private living spaces.
Over the years, the residence has been home to generations of royals. After King William IV’s death in 1837, the property passed through several royal occupants, including Princess Augusta and the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria’s mother.
Later, Clarence House became the home of Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s second son, and then Prince Arthur, who lived there until his death in 1942. During World War II, the building was used by the War Organisation of the British Red Cross and Order of St John of Jerusalem.
In 1949, the future Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip moved into Clarence House as newlyweds. It was there that they welcomed their first two children, the future King Charles III and Princess Anne.
After Elizabeth became queen in 1952, Clarence House underwent restoration and later became the London home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who lived there for nearly five decades until her death in 2002.
The residence also holds personal memories for other members of the royal family. Princess Margaret lived there before her marriage, while Princess Diana spent several months at Clarence House before her 1981 wedding to then-Prince Charles.
Before King Charles and Queen Camilla moved in, the residence received a major refurbishment in 2002. Rooms were redecorated with updated designs, while pieces from the Royal Collection and Charles’ personal art collection were added throughout the home.
The couple officially moved into Clarence House in 2003, and Prince Harry also lived there with his father until around 2012. In his 2023 memoir “Spare,” Harry recalled bringing Meghan Markle to Clarence House and described being impressed by its gardens.
Today, Clarence House is a four-story, five-bedroom residence featuring several formal reception rooms, including the Lancaster Room, Morning Room, Library, Dining Room, and Garden Room. These spaces open onto a private walled garden used for royal receptions and official events.
The upper floors contain the king and queen’s private apartments, offices, and staff areas. Although the property originally cost £22,232 to build in the 1820s, it is now estimated to be worth around $72 million.
Despite being a working royal residence, Clarence House welcomes visitors every summer. Each August, when the royal couple typically leave for their holiday, selected rooms on the ground floor are opened to the public, allowing guests to explore parts of the historic home.
Source: Various Sources.
