{"id":337397,"date":"2025-08-12T03:19:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T03:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/337397\/"},"modified":"2025-08-12T03:19:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T03:19:16","slug":"top-9-royal-residences-ranked-and-buckingham-palace-isnt-number-1-royal-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/337397\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 9 royal residences ranked – and Buckingham Palace isn’t number 1 | Royal | News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Royal residences such as Buckingham Palace<\/a> and Windsor Castle are owned by King Charles<\/a> because of his position as reigning monarch, while other royal properties, like Balmoral Castle<\/a> and Sandringham House<\/a>, are personally owned and not publicly funded.<\/p>\n

The King has three official residences: Buckingham Palace<\/a>, Windsor Castle<\/a>, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse<\/a> in Edinburgh. These magnificent buildings are not only homes of the Royal Family<\/a> but also where the King undertakes official work as Head of State.<\/p>\n

The UK is home to a fascinating array of residences for the family, each with its own unique history, architecture, and significance to the monarchy. Some are official homes used for state functions, while others are private retreats beloved by generations of royals.<\/p>\n

Here are the top 9 royal residences ranked.. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"9)<\/p>\n

9. Clarence House, London<\/strong><\/p>\n

Built by John Nash in 1825-27 for George III’s third son, the Duke of Clarence, and previously home to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for almost five decades.<\/p>\n

The first occupant of the house was the man for whom it was originally built and after whom it is named, William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who lived there from 1827 with his wife, Queen Adelaide.<\/p>\n

Later on, with Princess Elizabeth\u2019s accession as Queen, the royal couple moved to Buckingham Palace. Clarence House was prepared for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother<\/a>, who moved in with her daughter, Princess Margaret shortly before the Coronation in 1953. She lived there until her passing in 2002, at the age of 101.<\/p>\n

Since Charles inherited the house, he has preserved its style and character, as well as introducing organic gardening methods and planting a new garden in memory of the Queen Mother. Clarence House has been\u00a0the urban home of King Charles and Queen Camilla for more than two decades.<\/a><\/p>\n

(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"8)<\/p>\n

8. Bagshot Park, Surrey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bagshot Park in Surrey is the current home of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The residence’s gardens and grounds are listed on the\u00a0Register of Historic Parks and Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The estate covers 51 acres of private grounds, with beautifully landscaped gardens, stables, and woodlands. The mansion originally had over 120 rooms, though it has since been modified to suit modern royal living. The estate remains privately leased from the Crown Estate, with ongoing speculation about its future once the lease expires.<\/p>\n

The original house was built in the 1600s, but it was\u00a0demolished<\/a> around 1875. Queen Victoria’s third son, Prince Arthur, once lived on the property, and the original Bagshot Lodge was used as a base for hunting trips.<\/p>\n

(Image: David Goddard Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"7)<\/p>\n

7. Sandringham House, Norfolk<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located in Norfolk, Sandringham House sits within 20,000 acres of rolling parkland and woodland. It is particularly associated with the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations, as it is their traditional gathering place during the holiday season. Queen Elizabeth II was especially fond of Sandringham and spent much of her Christmas there<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sandringham House was a country residence<\/a> for King Edward VII in 1862. Queen Elizabeth inherited it from her father in 1952, and Prince Philip took responsibility for its management.<\/p>\n

(Image: Radcliffe\/Bauer-Griffin\/GC Images)<\/p>\n

\"6)<\/p>\n

6. Kensington Palace, London<\/strong><\/p>\n

Situated in West London, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since the 17th century. It was the childhood home of Queen Victoria and has continued to house members of the Royal Family.<\/p>\n

Its historic State Apartments are open to visitors<\/a> and Kensington Gardens, which surround the palace, are also a major London attraction.<\/p>\n

King Charles\u00a0and Princess Diana,\u00a0lived at\u00a0Kensington Palace\u00a0with their children, Prince William and Prince Harry, and it remained Diana’s official residence after their divorce, until her death in 1997.<\/p>\n

(Image: DeAgostini\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"5)<\/p>\n

5. Highgrove House, Gloucestershire<\/strong><\/p>\n

Highgrove House is located near Tetbury in the county of Gloucestershire and is the family home of King Charles and Queen Camilla.<\/p>\n

The Duchy of Cornwall\u00a0(King Charles’ private estate) purchased Highgrove in 1980, and Charles and Princess Diana initially used it as a\u00a0weekend home\u00a0after their marriage in 1981.<\/p>\n

When Charles bought the Highgrove estate<\/a> in 1980, it had little more than a neglected kitchen garden, an overgrown copse, some pastureland and a few hollow oaks. The Prince (at the time) was adamant that it should be converted into an entirely organic garden and farm. Since then, the gardens have undergone a number of changes, and the public has enjoyed visiting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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