King Charles III and Queen Camilla are downsizing and leaving 775 room-Buckingham Palace as a lavish 10-year, 369 million-pound ($487 million) refurbishment program ends.
Instead the couple will remain nearby in stately Clarence House, a substantially smaller residence of around a dozen rooms also in the very heart of London, where the two have lived since their marriage in 2005.
The monarchy now seeks seeks to increase public access – paid for by each visitor – to the historic building that has been the center of Royal life for almost 200 years and drive a strong revenue stream for the Royals.
AP reports Royal officials stressed King Charles and Queen Camilla would continue to work out of the palace, which will remain “the ceremonial and operational center” of the monarchy.
“It is and will remain Monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings,” said James Chalmers, the senior royal official responsible for managing the King’s financial affairs.
FILE/Buckingham Palace, London, circa 19th Century. Acquired by George III in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, Buckingham Palace became the official royal London residence in 1837 when Queen Victoria moved in shortly after her accession to the throne. (Print Collector/Getty Images)
The cost of the palace overhaul is contained in a release of Royal finance figures that also include the King’s personal tax payments and the cost of royal trips.
The soon-to-be empty palace has served as the official London residence of the UK sovereign since 1837.
The BBC reports the landmark may now also be able to open for a longer period, generating more income.
FILE/The 37th President of the United States Richard Nixon with Queen Elizabeth during a meeting at Buckingham Palace, with Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne walking behind them, London, UK, 6th March 1969. (Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
It currently opens its State Rooms to visitors each summer and on selected dates throughout the rest of the year, the proceeds of which go to the Royal Collection Trust, a charity responsible for the care and conservation of royal art.
The King will continue to host a range of events at the palace, from state banquets and garden parties to receptions and audiences with the prime minister and new ambassadors.