The role of being the monarch comes with numerous privileges, one of which is access to an extensive portfolio of properties. While the grand castles and palaces are well-known, King Charles III also has at his disposal some relatively modest cottages, albeit still grand by ordinary standards.
These properties come from various sources. Some are inherently tied to the role of the monarch, while others are privately owned by the King himself. Additionally, there are buildings belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall, the private estate of the Prince of Wales, which Charles previously called home during his time in that role.
However, it is important to note that the King is not expected to reside in all of these properties. Royal experts suggest that Charles is aware of the potential optics of the Royal Family maintaining multiple residences during the current cost-of-living crisis in the UK. As such, he is anticipated to repurpose many of these properties, possibly by opening them up for additional visitors.
The specific properties that the King might choose to actually live in remain to be seen, but it is clear that he will need to strike a balance between maintaining the traditional residences of the monarch and being mindful of public perception during these challenging economic times.
Buckingham Palace, the iconic 775-room central London edifice, stands as one of the most renowned symbols of the British Royal Family. Since 1837, it has served as the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy, hosting approximately 50,000 guests annually for official events. Currently, the palace is undergoing an extensive refurbishment process. Historically, Charles had expressed interest in transforming it into more of an office space, according to Royal historian Robert Lacey. However, recent reports indicate that the King intends to streamline his living quarters while maintaining a “flat above the shop” arrangement within the palace premises.
Windsor Castle, renowned as the world’s largest and oldest inhabited castle, held a special place in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s life. It served as her weekend retreat and eventually became her primary residence during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the new King’s plans for the castle are yet to be determined, the Prince of Wales and his family have recently relocated to the nearby Adelaide Cottage, suggesting they may establish a stronger presence in the Windsor area. Royal biographer Robert Lacey speculates, “I would have thought it would be more William’s stamping ground,” hinting that the Prince of Wales’s elder son, Prince William, may play a more prominent role in the castle’s future.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
While Balmoral may be more renowned, the palace situated at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile serves as the monarch’s official residence in Scotland. Similar to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, it is owned by the Crown. Queen Elizabeth spent a week there annually, hosting official and state events, a tradition also followed by King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales. This historic palace encompasses 289 rooms, with 17 of them open to the public.
Hillsborough Castle
Recently garnering attention when the King expressed frustration over a leaky pen during a visit, Hillsborough Castle is his official residence in Northern Ireland, as well as that of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Notably, crucial negotiations surrounding the Northern Irish peace process took place within its walls. This 18th-century country house, set amidst 100 acres of gardens, is a popular visitor attraction.
Highgrove House:
Charles moved to the Gloucestershire property in 1980 and remodeled its estate. Although his late wife Diana was said to dislike it, according to Prof Whitelock, Highgrove House, along with Clarence House, is the place where Charles feels most at home. However, the property is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, which is headed by the Prince of Wales. If he wishes to stay, the King will be his son’s tenant.
Sandringham House:
Unlike most other royal residences, the Norfolk country house is privately owned by the monarch, having originally been bought by King Edward VII and passed down to his heirs. The late Queen spent her winters at the property, and Royal Family Christmas Day walks there became a familiar sight. Charles took over the running of the 20,000-acre estate in 2017 and began transforming it into a fully organic enterprise.
Balmoral:
The Balmoral Estate is a privately owned property developed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The castle’s Great Tower stands tall at 100 feet (30.5 meters), overlooking Royal Deeside in northeast Scotland. The late Queen Elizabeth II would regularly spend her summer months on this estate. King Charles III has strong ties to the area as well, owning the neighboring Birkhall estate, which he inherited from his grandmother. Notably, he and the Queen Consort spent their honeymoon at Birkhall.
Clarence House:
Adjacent to St James’s Palace on The Mall, the Regency-style Clarence House was designed by John Nash. While less grand than other Royal properties, as biographer Robert Lacey notes, “Clarence House is the least palatial of all the residences in London.” However, the King is deeply fond of it due to its association with his beloved grandmother, who lived there. Clarence House also served as King Charles III’s official London residence from 2003 to 2022.
Llwynywermod:
The Llwynywermod estate, situated just outside the Brecon Beacons National Park in Carmarthenshire, was acquired by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2006. A three-bedroom cottage on the property was converted for the use of the then Prince Charles and Camilla, now the King and Queen Consort. The royal couple has been known to stay at this residence during their visits to Wales, and the King has attended services at the local church.
Dumfries House:
Dumfries House, a Palladian country house located in Ayrshire, is not an official Royal residence. However, the King has dedicated significant efforts and resources to raising funds for the restoration of the building and its specially commissioned Thomas Chippendale furniture. It was at Dumfries House where the King was informed of his mother’s grave illness before being flown by helicopter to Balmoral.
Castle of Mey:
Situated in Caithness on Scotland’s northern coast, the property formerly known as Barrogill Castle was purchased by the Queen Mother in 1966, an event depicted in an episode of the Netflix series “The Crown.” The Castle of Mey is now under the stewardship of The Prince’s Foundation, of which the King is the president. The King and Queen Consort typically stay at this residence in late July and early August.
Tamarisk House is a charming cottage situated on the picturesque Isles of Scilly in Cornwall. Nestled on a quarter-acre of land, this historic property once served as a retreat for the late King and his former wife Diana, along with their children. Notably, the cottage is now available for rent as a holiday accommodation, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty that once captivated the royal family.