King Charles will be moving into Buckingham Palace when its £369million refurbishment is completed in 2027, it was claimed on Friday night. The monarch will reportedly be taking up residence in about four years' time, after the builders finally finish their renovation work.
The Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. The claims emerged despite royal insiders saying privately that the King and Queen Camilla had hinted that they would like their London home to remain Clarence House, according to a report in the Daily Express.
One source had previously said that the monarch was "no fan" of Buckingham Palace, which he had branded "the Big House". Another insider told The Sunday Times: "He doesn’t see it as a viable future home or a house that’s fit for purpose in the modern world.
"He feels that its upkeep, both from a cost and environmental perspective, is not sustainable." Another source close to the Royal family suggested that Queen Consort Camilla "doesn’t want to live at Buckingham Palace" either.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said back in October: "It is expected that the necessary works will be completed for Their Majesties to take up residence in 2027. In the interim period, the Palace will be fully utilised for official business wherever practicable."
However, when approached by The Mirror on Friday night, Buckingham Palace would not comment on the story and did not confirm any of the claims.
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Meanwhile, the King finally granted Prince Edward and his wife Sophie the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, upholding a promise made to them by the late Queen.
The announcement from Buckingham Palace came on Edward's 59th birthday with his new title, previously held by his father Prince Philip, set to be with him for his lifetime. The granting of the Dukedom of Edinburgh to Edward meant Sophie would now be known as the Duchess of Edinburgh.
There would also be a change for their son, 15-year-old James. He now becomes the Earl of Wessex - the title bestowed upon his father on his wedding day. However, Lady Louise Windsor, Edward and Sophie's daughter, retains her title.
The announcement comes days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle disclosed that their children would also be taking new titles, becoming Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
A statement from Buckingham Palace today read: "His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday. The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness’s lifetime.
"The Dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952. The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential."
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