Being a member of the British royal family comes with a myriad of privileges, and among them is the vast array of Crown-owned properties that have been passed down through generations. These residences range from the iconic Buckingham Palace in the heart of London to the charming countryside cottages with historical significance. The royal family’s property portfolio has undergone changes since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, and the subsequent coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023. Let’s delve into the less-than-humble abodes that have been cherished by the royals, along with insights into the current and potential residents.
Buckingham Palace
Location: London, England Residents: King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla (Potentially)
Buckingham Palace, the crown jewel of royal properties, stands as the official residence in London. It has been the formal residence of Queen Elizabeth II since 1936 and is speculated to become the new home of King Charles III and his Queen Consort. However, ongoing refurbishments initiated by the late Queen might delay this move. The neoclassical-style palace, with its 775 rooms, has been a symbol of regality since 1837 when Queen Victoria took residence.
Balmoral Castle
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland Resident: King Charles III
Balmoral Castle, a beloved summer retreat for Queen Elizabeth II, is a majestic Scottish Baronial-style residence. Originally purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852, it has remained a summer home for the royal family. The castle, nestled on 50,000 acres, hosts the annual Ghillies’ Ball, a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria’s era.
Kensington Palace
Location: London, England Potential Residents: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Current Residents: The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Prince and Princess of Kent, Princess Eugenie
Kensington Palace, with an estimated worth of $740 million, has been a royal residence for 300 years. The Cambridges, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have resided here since 2017. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, after returning to the U.K., reportedly rented a home within Kensington Palace to rebuild family relationships. Other current residents include members of the extended royal family.
Adelaide Cottage
Location: Berkshire, England Residents: Prince William and Kate Middleton
Adelaide Cottage, a royal residence built in 1831, became the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Located on the Windsor Castle grounds, it served as their residence after the family’s move last September to support Queen Elizabeth II during her final years.
Windsor Castle
Location: Berkshire, England Residents: Likely Prince William and Kate Middleton
Windsor Castle, known as “the Big House,” is the oldest inhabited castle globally, with origins dating back to William the Conqueror in 1070. Queen Elizabeth II formally moved here, and King Charles III inherited the castle after her passing. The possibility of Prince William and Kate Middleton occupying the castle is under consideration.
Frogmore Cottage
Location: Windsor, England Residents: Prince Andrew (Delayed), Currently Vacant
Frogmore Cottage, once home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, became vacant after their move to California. Prince Andrew’s plans to move in have been delayed due to his ex-wife’s recovery from surgery.
Clarence House
Location: London, England Residents: King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Clarence House, situated beside St. James’s Palace, has been the residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla for almost 20 years. The couple will continue to call it home until renovations at Buckingham Palace are completed.
Sandringham House
Location: Norfolk, England Resident: King Charles III
Sandringham House, a Georgian mansion with historical significance, has been part of Britain’s royal heritage for nearly a thousand years. King Charles III took over its management in 2017, and it is expected to be his residence.
Highgrove House
Location: Gloucestershire, England Occasional Resident: Prince Charles Future Resident: Prince William
Highgrove House, a Georgian neoclassical retreat owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, has been a sanctuary for Prince Charles since 1980. With Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Prince William, the new Duke of Cornwall, may become the landlord, and the house could serve as an occasional residence.
St. James’s Palace
Location: London, England Residents: Princess Anne, Princess Alexandra
Built by Henry VIII in the 16th century, St. James’s Palace continues to be a London base for royals, including Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra.
In essence, the royal family’s abodes, each with its unique charm and history, reflect the grandeur and tradition that accompany their prestigious roles. As the torch passes to King Charles III, the landscape of royal residences undergoes shifts, and the legacy continues in these storied homes.
