King Charles has made a major call about Buckingham Palace’s future. After years of large-scale renovations, the monarch and Queen Camilla will not move into the palace as their private residence once the work is finished. According to People, the decision was confirmed in the annual Sovereign Grant Report, which outlines public funding for royal duties and palace upkeep. Instead, the famous building will continue as a working royal base, while the King and Queen are expected to keep Clarence House as their London home.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Keep Clarence House
The palace’s position is clear: Buckingham Palace will remain at the center of royal operations, but not as the couple’s personal address. "It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way," a palace spokesperson said according to People. The same update said Charles has strong affection for the building and respects its place in national life. Even so, the choice reflects a broader plan to preserve the site as the ceremonial center of royal life and expand public access.
Buckingham Palace Renovation Nears Its 2027 Finish
The long-running reservicing program began in 2017 and is due to wrap in 2027. The project carries a reported price tag of about $487 million and includes major infrastructure work inside the palace, from boilers and electrical systems to pipework and water tanks. Some of those systems had not been fully updated since the 1950s. The overhaul also aims to improve energy efficiency and accessibility while keeping the historic building fit for use over the next 50 years.
State Duties Continue While the Palace Stays Operational
Even during construction, the palace has remained active for official business. Royal balcony appearances still take place there, including Trooping the Colour earlier this month, and the King continues to host audiences at the residence. But the renovation has changed some logistics. State visits have been hosted at Windsor Castle in recent years rather than at Buckingham Palace. That shift underlines how the building is still functioning, even as major work continues behind the scenes across the royal household’s main London base.
King Charles’ Tax Bill Marks a Royal First
The same report included another notable detail: the publication of the King’s personal tax payments since he took the throne in September 2022. The palace said Charles has paid more than 39 million in taxes during that period as part of a push for greater transparency. The figures included about 15.4 million for 2023-2024 and roughly $17 million for 2024-2025. Alongside the housing update, that financial disclosure adds a fresh layer to how the monarchy is presenting its public role.
