Buckingham Palace, a renowned symbol of the monarchy located in the heart of London, attracts millions of tourists worldwide annually. While Queen Elizabeth resided at the palace during most of her reign before moving to Windsor in her later years, the younger generation of royals, including the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales, seem less inclined to live at Buckingham Palace and prefer other residences.
Currently, Charles and Camilla predominantly reside at Clarence House, while William and Kate have made Windsor their home. Buckingham Palace has recently undergone extensive renovations costing £369 million of taxpayer funds. It is anticipated that once the refurbishments are completed, the palace will serve as the primary location for royal events, such as investitures, receptions, and banquets, but will not be the permanent residence for the senior royals.
Royal expert Richard Eden revealed that Buckingham Palace might transition into a hub for official royal functions, with the King and Queen choosing to live elsewhere. Interior designer Nicky Haslam expressed concerns about this shift, stating that Buckingham Palace should retain its status as a residence rather than being solely used as an office.
Last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales relocated to Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate, their designated “forever home.” They also have access to Anmer Hall in Norfolk and an apartment at Kensington Palace for official functions. Ingrid Seward, a royal expert, mentioned that William has never favored Buckingham Palace and hinted at potential changes in how the royal residences are utilized.
A YouGov poll in 2025 revealed that a majority of Britons opposed using taxpayer money for the ongoing expensive refurbishment of Buckingham Palace. The public sentiment suggested reluctance towards government funding for the renovation project.