Prince Charles will move into Buckingham Palace when he becomes king – with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge potentially taking over Windsor Castle.
In recent years there has been speculation that the official London residence of the monarch will become a ‘working hub’ for the monarchy, with no members of the Royal Family in residence, and opened up more to the public as a visitor attraction.
But the Daily Mail understands that the Prince of Wales is ‘firmly of the view that it’s the visible symbol of the monarchy in the nation’s capital and therefore must be his home’.
‘There is no question about it,’ a source revealed yesterday. ‘HRH’s view is that you need a monarch at monarchy HQ. This has never been in doubt.’
Prince Charles will move into Buckingham Palace when he becomes king – with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge potentially taking over Windsor Castle (pictured in May 2020)
Anmer Hall in Norfolk (pictured in 2013), the country retreat used by the Duke and Duchess Of Cambridge
Clarence House, the London home of Prince Charles and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
It has been repeatedly reported that Charles has decided not to relocate to the Palace when it is ready to be lived in again and he accedes to the throne. But sources have told the Mail this is ‘categorically untrue’.
‘The Prince of Wales will not move into Buckingham Palace before he is king. But when he is, he absolutely will,’ a source said.
‘Just like the Queen, it will effectively be in the ‘flat above the shop’. He feels it is right, just as the Queen does, to work out of Buckingham Palace.
‘The Palace will still be a working and entertaining hub and will also still be open to visitors. It is a hugely important tourist attraction. But the prince can still live there at the same time, much like he does at Highgrove, which is also open to the public.’
Charles, 73, and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, currently live in Clarence House, the former London residence of the Queen Mother. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also lived there in the early years of their marriage.
Prince Charles, 73, and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, currently live in Clarence House, the former London residence of the Queen Mother
An aerial view of Windsor Castle, for 1,000 years the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the home of Britain’s royalty
It is likely to be turned into a work or entertaining hub – with a view to one of the Cambridges’ children living there in the future.
William and Kate will keep their domestic and work base at Kensington Palace. They have lived there in Apartment 1A since 2017.
The couple also have Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, given to them by the Queen.
Sources said they believed the couple will ultimately inherit Windsor Castle. It is likely Anmer Hall will revert to the Queen or her heir, who would rent it out.
Clarence House declined to comment.