King Charles and Queen Camilla Don't Live in Buckingham Palace. Inside Their London Residence, Clarence House

Samantha StutsmanSat, June 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2026; Clarence House, circa 1990s.Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty -

In June 2026, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into the palace following its renovation

The royal couple will continue to live at Clarence House, which they've called home since 2003

Clarence House is a five-bedroom estate located in London

King Charles and Queen Camilla aren't planning a move anytime soon.

On June 25, Buckingham Palace revealed in the annual Sovereign Grant Report that the royal couple will not relocate to the landmark residence once its $487 million renovation is completed in 2027. Instead, they will remain at Clarence House in London, which has served as their official residence since 2003.

"His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life," a palace spokesperson said. "It will remain a working home, but we are seeking to widen public access precisely to maximise the national benefit of a publicly-funded building."

Located less than half a mile from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House is a five-bedroom royal residence that has been home to several members of the royal family over the years.

Here's everything to know about King Charles and Queen Camilla's home, Clarence House.

Clarence House was built in the 1820s

Clarence House.Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Clarence House was built between 1825 and 1827 for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who would later become King William, according to the royal family's official website. The residence was designed by celebrated architect John Nash, whose other notable projects included renovations to Buckingham Palace and the development of Regent Street in London.

Constructed in a restrained neoclassical style, Clarence House was intended to be more comfortable and manageable than many of the grand royal palaces of the era. Nash made numerous changes to his original plans as construction progressed, and the final cost of £22,232 was more than double his initial estimate, per the Royal Collection Trust.

Clarence House is located on the grounds of St. James's Palace and is connected to the historic royal residence by a covered passageway, though it operates as a separate home with its own entrance and living quarters.

The London residence has been home to many royals

Queen Elizabeth II with members of the royal family in 1986 at Clarence House in London.Credit: Derek Hudson/Getty

Following King William's death in 1837, the residence became home to a succession of royal family members, per the Royal Collection Trust. His sister, Princess Augusta, moved into the residence, followed by Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent, who lived there until her death in 1861.

The home later passed to Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son. Beginning in 1901, Prince Arthur, another of Queen Victoria's sons, made Clarence House his residence and remained there until his death in 1942. During World War II, the building was used by the War Organisation of the British Red Cross and Order of St John of Jerusalem.

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In 1949, the future Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip moved into Clarence House as newlyweds and welcomed their first two children, the future King Charles and Princess Anne, while living there.

After the late Queen became monarch in 1952, the residence was extensively restored and became the London home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who lived there for nearly five decades until her death in 2002. Princess Margaret also resided at Clarence House before her marriage in 1960.

Ahead of her July 1981 wedding to then-Prince Charles, Princess Diana spent several months living at Clarence House. In Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words, she compared the experience to "going into a hotel," reflecting on the loneliness she felt during her engagement.

King Charles and Queen Camilla moved into Clarence House in 2003

Queen Camilla and King Charles III at Clarence House in 2025.Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty

To prepare the residence for King Charles and Queen Camilla, Clarence House underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2002. Most rooms were redecorated with color schemes and textiles, while new pieces from the Royal Collection and Charles' personal art collection were added throughout the home, according to the official website.

The couple moved into Clarence House in 2003. Prince Harry also lived there with his father from 2003 until around 2012. In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Harry described bringing Meghan Markle to meet his father at Clarence House, writing that the property's "lush gardens" left her awestruck.

Today, Clarence House is a four-story, five-bedroom residence. The ground floor features five principal reception rooms — including the Lancaster Room, Morning Room, Library, Dining Room and Garden Room — which open onto a secluded walled garden often used for receptions and other royal events. The upper floors house the king and queen's private apartments, offices and staff areas.

Though the residence was completed for just £22,232 in the 1820s, Clarence House is estimated to be worth $72 million today, according to Forbes.

Clarence House opens its doors to visitors every August

The gardens of Clarence House.Credit: Victoria Jones-WPA Pool/Getty

Although Clarence House serves as the official London residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla, it opens to the public for several weeks each summer, typically during August when the royal couple is away on holiday.

Visitors can tour a selection of the house's elegant ground-floor rooms, including spaces used for official engagements and entertaining guests.

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