Prince Charles plans to live at Buckingham Palace when he becomes king as he feels it is important to be based at “monarchy HQ”, it has been reported.
Buckingham Palace first became the official residence of the monarch by Queen Victoria in 1837 and there has been debate over whether it should become only a working base rather than a home.
But the Prince of Wales has no doubts that he will be based at the central London palace with the Cambridges possibly living at Windsor Castle, it has been reported.
Charles currently lives with his wife Camilla at Clarence House, the former residence of the Queen Mother.
A source said that Charles is convinced that Buckingham Palace is symbolically the home of the monarch and that he should be based there when king.
They told the Daily Mail : “There is no question about it. HRH’s view is that you need a monarch at monarchy HQ. This has never been in doubt.”
As well a residence for the monarch, Buckingham Palace is a working operation with more than 15 million tourists visiting each year and it receives almost 100,000 guests.
The source continued: "The Prince of Wales will not move into Buckingham Palace before he is king. But when he is, he absolutely will. Just like the Queen, it will effectively be in the 'flat above the shop'. He feels it is right, just as the Queen does, to work out of Buckingham Palace.
"The Palace will still be a working and entertaining hub and will also still be open to visitors. It is a hugely important tourist attraction. But the prince can still live there at the same time, much like he does at Highgrove, which is also open to the public."
A major refurbishment has been taking place at a cost of £369 million for the taxpayer where electrics and plumbing have been improved as part of a general overhaul.
The royals have moved out of the building while the work is underway and is due to be completed in 2027.
The Cambridges' London base is currently Kensington Palace while they also have Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, given to them by the Queen.
The Mirror has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
