King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not move back into Buckingham Palace after its multi-year refurbishment is complete [1].
The decision is significant because the palace serves as the traditional administrative headquarters of the British monarchy and has undergone a massive, decade-long investment to modernize its infrastructure [3].
A palace spokesperson said the King and Queen will not be residing at Buckingham Palace after the refurbishment [1]. The announcement came on June 26, 2026, as the project nears its final stages. The renovation is slated for completion in 2027 [3].
Reports on the total cost of the project vary slightly between sources. One report cites the cost at £369 million [2], while another lists the figure at £370 million [4]. The work has spanned 10 years, focusing on updating the historic site for future use [3].
"We have no plans to move back into Buckingham Palace," King Charles III said [2].
While the royal couple will not live in the palace, the building will continue to serve its role in official state functions. The King and Queen have not specified where their primary residence will be following the project's conclusion in 2027 [3].
“"We have no plans to move back into Buckingham Palace."”
This decision signals a departure from traditional royal residency patterns, suggesting a preference for more private or smaller residences over the sprawling, formal environment of Buckingham Palace. Despite the immense public and financial investment in the palace's infrastructure, the monarchy is decoupling the building's role as a state office from its role as a private home.
