The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly unlikely to live at Buckingham Palace, even after its £369 million refurbishment is complete. Royal sources suggest the palace will become a ‘Monarchy HQ’ for official events, while senior royals reside elsewhere.
King Charles and Queen Camilla currently live at Clarence House, while William and Kate moved into Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate last year. The Waleses also have Anmer Hall in Norfolk and an apartment at Kensington Palace.
Royal expert Richard Eden told the Daily Mail that a source said: “Buckingham Palace will be used for royal events. There will be investitures, receptions and banquets, but the King and Queen won’t sleep there.” Interior designer Nicky Haslam, a friend of Camilla, criticised the plan, saying: “Turning Buckingham Palace into an office is wrong. Period.”
In 2025, royal expert Ingrid Seward told HELLO! magazine: “William was never going to move into Buckingham Palace. He has never had any fondness for it.” A YouGov poll that year found 56% of Brits opposed taxpayer funding for the decade-long refurbishment.
