After 200 yrs of tradition, Charles not to live at Buckingham Palace

London: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will use Buckingham Palace as their official London headquarters rather than residence after its £370 million refurbishment is completed next year, Buckin­gham Palace said on Friday.

The King, 77, will continue living at nearby Clarence House, where he and the Queen have resided since 2005, allowing greater public access to the 18th-century landmark, a royal residence since Queen Victoria’s reign.

“On the completion of the Reservicing Programme, the King and Queen will not make Buckingham Palace a personal residence, reflecting Their Majesties’ wishes that the palace remains the ceremonial centre of royal life, the primary workplace of the Royal Household and a national heritage asset with increased opportunities for public access,” the palace said.

The 10-year refurbishment, involving replacement of boilers, electrical cables and pipes to reduce fire and flood risks, is due for completion by March 2027.

The announcement coincided with Charles becoming the first British monarch to publish his personal tax bill. He voluntarily paid £12.9 million in tax in 2024-25, placing him among the UK’s top 100 taxpayers.

Prince William, the heir to the throne, paid £7.76 million in tax during the same period, according to the annual Sovereign Grant Report.

The report said the Sovereign Grant, the main source of public funding for the Royal Household, rose to £132.1 million for 2025-26, with more than half allocated to preserving and protecting occupied royal palaces. The disclosure of the King’s and Prince William’s tax payments was a personal decision by the two senior royals, palace spokespersons said.

—PTI

ROYAL TAX BY NUMBERS

 £12.9 million: Tax paid by King Charles III (2024-25) 

 £7.76 million: Tax paid by Prince William

 First: Charles is the first British monarch to publish his personal tax bill 

 Voluntary: Both disclosures were made voluntarily