It has been suggested that Prince William and Catherine won’t move into Buckingham Palace (Image: Getty)
Prince William could not use Buckingham Palace when he becomes King, it is suggested, as the future of the iconic building is brought into question. British monarchs have lived permanently in the palace since Queen Victoria, a memorial to whom is located outside, did so upon her succession to the throne in 1837. It was primarily designed by John Nash in the 1820s, who transformed what was Buckingham House into a grand neoclassical palace for King George IV.
At the moment, King Charles III and Queen Camilla primarily live at Clarence House, located down the Mall from Buckingham Palace, which has been the couple’s official residence since 2003. It is thought they will live there until at least 2027, as renovations at the palace continue.
It is a major draw for tourists, with the Royal Standard flying over the building when the monarch is inside. But now, it has been suggested that Charles’ heir, William, the Prince of Wales, will not use the building during his reign.
READ MORE: MI5 feared Royal Family would be targeted in one way at the end of WW2
READ MORE: Queen rushed to hospital after heart attack as palace issues statement
King Charles and Queen Camilla do not currently live in the palace (Image: Getty)
Interior designer Nicky Haslam, 86, an old friend of Camilla, told the MailOnline that it would be a grave mistake for the Queen and Charles not to live at the palace at some point in the future.
He said: “Turning Buckingham Palace into an office is wrong. Period.”
Mr Haslam’s mother, Diamond Ponsonby, was one of Queen Victoria’s goddaughters.
He added: “William won’t use it either. It stops Buckingham Palace being the jewel in the crown… If people think it’s an office they won’t go there.”
William and Kate live in what has been called their “forever home”, Forest Lodge, within Windsor Great Park – a short drive from Adelaide Cottage, which they used to call home.
The Waleses also have at their disposal Anmer Hall, a 10-bedroom property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, and an apartment in Kensington Palace for official entertaining.
In 2025, Ingrid Seward, royal biographer and Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine, said: “William was never going to move into Buckingham Palace.”
“He has never had any fondness for it, and he probably hasn’t spent much time there,” they added in an interview with HELLO!
“But that was then, and this is now,” Ms Seward said.
“Maybe Buckingham Palace will open to the public all year round, rather than only in the summer, and they will use Windsor Castle for banquets.”