Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, we’d be surprised if you remained completely oblivious to last weekend’s huge coronation celebrations. And surely you’re at least a little bit curious as to what happens next. As Charles and Camilla settle into their new roles as King and Queen, you’d assume that they would make the move straight to Buckingham Palace, right? Well, you would be wrong.
Apparently, HRH has never shown any intention of taking up permanent residence in the palace, and has actually never even liked it that much. So, isn’t it lucky that he’s got 29 other royal estates to choose from?
Where will King Charles live now?
Charles and Camilla will likely remain in their current London home, Clarence House, which is on the Mall and only a short stroll away from the palace.
What will happen to Buckingham Palace?
The most famous royal residence is currently in the sixth year of a decade-long, £369 million refurb. Rumour has it that, once the work is finished, Charles wants to open it up more to the public.
According to The Times, it could be transformed into a museum, art gallery or VIP guest house while still functioning as a ‘monarchy HQ’ to host official state events and meetings.
Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a royal palace expert, told the newspaper: ‘I would absolutely anticipate it being open more under the King than it was before.
‘It is pretty well set up, it has a good shop and the Queen’s Gallery is excellent. It is a case of weaving opening hours around what has to happen there.’
However, another source expressed doubts about this, saying that it could be difficult to find just four or five months when the property can open its doors more publicly. They said: ‘Buckingham Palace is the place for so many state occasions and royal duties. They are going to have real trouble achieving more than a modest increase [in public opening times].’
If all else fails, perhaps Chazza can take up the offer of the palace just becoming a gigantic Wetherspoons?
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