King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the central London landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.

Financial Transparency

Officials at the same time disclosed the king paid £12.9 million ($17.04 million) in tax in 2024/25 — the first time the figure has been made public — placing him among Britain’s top 100 taxpayers.

Members of the royal family have promised greater transparency about their finances amid growing criticism following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.

Charles decided to continue living at Clarence House, his longstanding London home nearby, when the £369 million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace concludes next year.

The project includes replacing ageing electrical wiring, pipes and heating.

Palace to Remain Ceremonial Hub

James Chalmers, the king’s treasurer and keeper of the privy purse, said it would remain the primary venue for ceremonial and official functions including receiving foreign dignitaries.

“It is and will remain monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever his majesty is in London,” he told reporters.

Neither Charles nor the late Queen Elizabeth had stayed overnight at the palace since 2019.

The king will maintain private rooms there that could be used as accommodation.

Some 700,000 people visit the building every year, and there will be greater public access, Chalmers said, without providing details.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.