United Kingdom

King Charles Skips Living in Buckingham Palace After £369M Refurbishment

Is the palace's shake-up a bold modernization of the monarchy or a costly betrayal of public trust?

JUN 26·Updated JUN 27

King Charles Skips Living in Buckingham Palace After £369M Refurbishment

Story

Above: King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on April 27, 2026, for their State Visit to the United States. Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images

The Facts

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace after the completion of a decade-long, £369 million ($487 million) refurbishment project, instead remaining at Clarence House as their London home for the duration of his reign.
BBC News
Daily Mail
The refurbishment, which began in 2017, replaced ageing electrical wiring, lead pipes and boilers — many untouched since the 1950s — to reduce fire and flood risk, with the project due to be completed in March.
BBC News
The Telegraph
The expectation was that the king would return to live at Buckingham Palace, a tradition observed since Queen Victoria's time. However, security concerns also influence this decision, as the king's presence at the palace could restrict visitor access.
BBC News
The Telegraph
After renovations, Buckingham Palace is expected to generate more income through extended visitor hours.
Metro
Daily Mail
Buckingham Palace will continue to serve as the ceremonial and operational headquarters of the monarchy, hosting state banquets, garden parties, investitures and audiences, with the sovereign's standard flying from the roof when the king is in London.
Independent
Daily Mail

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

King Charles choosing to stay at Clarence House instead of Buckingham Palace is a smart, forward-thinking move that puts public benefit first. Opening the palace to more visitors year-round maximizes a nationally funded landmark for everyone, not just the royals.

Sabirah Lohn on X

Narrative B

Taxpayers just spent £369 million renovating Buckingham Palace and now King Charles will never live there again — that's a staggering waste of public money with no real accountability. The palace must be fully open year-round with all ticket revenue going back to the Treasury.