King Charles has reportedly already broken a 200-year-old tradition according to a new documentary, as he and Queen Camilla prefer staying at Clarence House instead of Buckingham Palace
King Charles III and Queen Camilla could be making a big change(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
King Charles could spark a “royal revolution” by being the first monarch to “refuse” a 200-year tradition, it has been suggested.
This intriguing insight was revealed in a new Channel 5 UK documentary titled Royal Residences: A Map of Britain, which delves into the opulent locations that makeup the Royal Family’s multi-billion-dollar real estate portfolio.
King Charles ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022, following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This move also saw him take on the responsibility of overseeing several royal properties.
As Forbes reported, Charles’ property collection includes at least 10 castles, seven palaces, 12 homes, 56 cottages, and 14 ruins. However, despite this vast assortment of properties, it has been a long-standing tradition for the reigning monarch to live in Buckingham Palace.
When the newly crowned King and Queen Camilla returned to the palace after greeting the crowds from the balcony in May 2023, they were, of course, adhering to tradition, but there was “one huge difference,” reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Since the days of Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch has lived in Buckingham Palace(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
The narrator explained: “Even though it’s been the London residence of every monarch since Queen Victoria, Charles and Camilla haven’t moved in, preferring, for now, to be in Clarence House just down the road.
“So, is King Charles starting a royal revolution by becoming the first monarch in nearly 200 years to refuse to live at Buckingham Palace?”
In addition to inheriting the Crown Estate (a massive portfolio of property and land), he now oversees his mother’s cherished Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and Sandringham House in Norfolk.
However, it’s important to remember that the majority of Royal properties aren’t personally owned by the King. They’re primarily held by the Duchy of Lancaster, the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Crown Estate.
The Duchy of Lancaster is a collection of land, property, and assets that dates back to the 13th century. Meanwhile, the Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate that provides income for the heir to the throne, who is currently Prince William.
King Charles and Queen Camilla may stay put at Clarence House, next to St James’s Palace(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
According to People magazine, William raked in a staggering $30million in his first year’s income from the estate, which covers his family’s charitable, official, and private expenses.
Clarence House, the preferred residence of Charles and Camilla, was built between 1825 and 1827 and is located next to St James’s Palace. It was formerly the home of The Queen Mother and, before that, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip after their marriage in 1947.
On the other hand, Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of the sovereign since 1837 and remains the administrative headquarters of the King, although the State Rooms are open to the public during the summer.
According to the official Royal website, it features an impressive number of rooms – 775 in total, including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.