King Charles is unlikely to ever return to using Buckingham Palace as his primary residence, despite the completion of a £369 million renovation in 2027, sources have claimed.
The monarch will continue living at Clarence House with Queen Camilla, even after the extensive refurbishment of the 775-room Palace concludes.
Writing in the Telegraph, Camilla Tominey reported: "One concession to his health and advancing years that has been made, however, is that it appears unlikely he will ever move from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace after the restoration is completed in three year's time although it will remain the household's office for the rest of his reign."
The decision marks a departure from tradition, as Queen Elizabeth II resided at Buckingham Palace throughout her reign.
King Charles 'unlikely to live in Buckingham Palace again' amid three-year absence.
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The extensive renovation work means Buckingham Palace will not host state visits until 2027, with Windsor Castle taking over ceremonial duties for the next three years.
According to The Times, Windsor Castle will host dignitaries as Buckingham Palace "undergoes one of the biggest upheavals in its history."
December's state visit by the Amir of Qatar marked the final such occasion at Buckingham Palace before the major transition takes effect.
The Palace refurbishment has also necessitated significant internal relocations, including the King's private office space.
December's state visit by the Amir of Qatar marked the final such occasion at Buckingham Palace before the major transition takes effect.
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Charles has been forced to vacate his offices in the north wing, which previously served as Queen Elizabeth's private apartment, as construction work intensifies throughout the historic building.
The King has relocated his office to the Belgian Suite on the ground floor of the palace's west-facing Garden Wing.
His new workspace includes the Orleans Room, where he was born in 1948, along with meeting rooms and a dining area where he takes afternoon tea daily.
"He is always aware of the significance of history, and the decision to be based in the Orleans Room won't have been taken without half a smile," a friend of Charles told The Times. "The King will enjoy the symmetry of discharging his duties as monarch in the room where he was born."
State Banquets will now be held at Windsor Castle.
PAThe 76-year-old monarch is personally funding the redecoration of his private suite in the north wing, which won't be ready until 2027.
A source told The Times that Charles is "mindful that the public purse should not pay for personal touches."
Royal sources have confirmed that both the King and Queen are "very comfortable" at Clarence House, their longtime London home situated within walking distance of Buckingham Palace.
"I know he is no fan of 'the big house,' as he calls the palace," a source told The Times. "He doesn't see it as a viable future home or a house that's fit for purpose in the modern world."
Queen Camilla and King Charles stay in Clarence House when in London.
PAAnother source revealed: "It is certainly true that Camilla doesn't want to live at Buckingham Palace."
The Times reports that Prince William shares this view, agreeing that the palace is unsuitable for modern family life.
Whilst courtiers previously insisted the royal couple would relocate after renovations, sources now indicate the King's private rooms will be redecorated only for "potential residential occupation."
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