King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after refurbishment

LONDON: King Charles will not move into Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment is completed next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the palace serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.

Instead, Charles will continue living at nearby Clarence House, his longtime London residence, while Buckingham Palace will remain the monarchy’s headquarters and the venue for major ceremonial and official events, Reuters reported.

The £369 million refurbishment, which began in 2017, involves replacing ageing electrical wiring, plumbing and heating systems. Officials had originally expected Buckingham Palace to remain the monarch’s principal London residence once the work was completed.

James Chalmers, the king’s treasurer, said the palace would continue to host state visits and official engagements.

“It is and will remain ‘monarchy HQ’, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever His Majesty is in London,” Chalmers told reporters.

Although Charles will not reside permanently at Buckingham Palace, private rooms will be retained for his use during official engagements in London.

Neither Charles nor the late Queen Elizabeth II has stayed overnight at the palace since 2019.

Royal officials also disclosed for the first time that Charles paid £12.9 million ($17 million) in tax during the 2024–25 financial year, placing him among Britain’s 100 highest taxpayers, according to Reuters.

While British monarchs are not legally required to pay income, capital gains or inheritance tax, Charles has continued the voluntary practice introduced by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.

Chalmers said the king had paid more than £30 million in tax since ascending the throne in 2022.

The annual Sovereign Grant, which funds official royal duties, palaces and travel, increased from £86 million in 2024–25 to £132 million in 2025–26, driven by higher revenues from the Crown Estate. It is expected to rise to £137.9 million in 2026–27 before being reduced to £100 million in 2027–28 at the king’s request, officials said.

The announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of royal finances following media reports about income generated by royal estates.

Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, said the latest disclosures still left unanswered questions about royal finances.

“Another hike for Charles, more spin and gloss and more misdirection on taxes,” Smith said.