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.
The decision was announced alongside the release of the royal accounts, which revealed a $17 million tax bill for the sovereign. The refurbishment, which began in 2018, is part of a £369 million ($470 million) program to modernize the palace's aging infrastructure, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems.
Officials stated that the palace will remain the official headquarters of the monarchy, used for state occasions and receptions, but the King will continue to reside at Clarence House, his current London home. The move aims to reduce costs and make the palace more accessible to the public.
The tax bill, related to the sovereign's private income from the Duchy of Lancaster, was paid voluntarily by the King, reflecting his commitment to transparency and financial responsibility. The accounts also showed a slight increase in the monarchy's overall expenditure, attributed to inflation and the ongoing refurbishment.
