King Charles Sparks 'Royal Revolution' by Breaking a 200-Year-Old Tradition
King Charles inherited a huge portfolio of lavish properties from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, when he ascended the throne on 8 September 2022. While following traditions is part of being King, Charles is set to break a 200-year-old custom that has to do with one of his many royal residences.
As per the Scottish Daily Express, the news about the break in tradition came in a new Channel 5 documentary, Royal Residences: A Map of Britain, as royal experts discussed the many estates owned by the royal family — seven palaces, 10 castles, 12 homes, 56 cottages, and 14 ruins. As per royal custom, the monarch should live in Buckingham Palace. However, Charles and Queen Consort Camilla currently reside in Clarence House, located down the road from the Palace. This makes Charles the first sovereign in about 200 years to not live in Buckingham Palace.
In the documentary, the narrator explains, “Even though it's been the London residence of every monarch since Queen Victoria, Charles and Camilla haven't moved in, preferring, for now, to be in Clarence House just down the road.” They asked, “So, is King Charles starting a royal revolution by becoming the first monarch in nearly 200 years to refuse to live at Buckingham Palace?” Clarence House was constructed in the early 19th century, and was once home to The Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip after their marriage in 1947. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace is a 775-room estate housing 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 79 bathrooms. It is still operated as the official headquarters for the King.
It is believed that the monarch is refusing to move to Buckingham Palace, given his illness. Less than a year after his coronation, Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. Charles had subsequently reconsidered moving to the Palace and stayed at Clarence House. Amid his cancer treatment, the monarch is staying active with his royal duties, even making state visits to Australia, Italy, and, more recently, Canada. Insiders have claimed that he is driven by duty and refuses to take long breaks from work, much like the late Queen.
The King himself has not inherited all the properties personally. The properties are divided to be held by the Duchy of Lancaster, the Duchy of Cornwall, and the Crown Estate. While the Duchy of Lancaster includes a number of properties from the 13th century, the Duchy of Cornwall is a portfolio of private estates that generate income for the heir to the throne. According to People magazine, it generated about $30 million for Prince William in his first year.