Prince Charles May Not Live in Buckingham Palace Once He Becomes King

Say what?! It seems Prince Charles has been waiting his whole life to become king, and now he reportedly doesn’t even want to live in Buckingham Palace once his dream becomes a reality?

According to The Sunday Times, the 68-year-old royal wants to turn the royal residence into a “monarchy HQ,” which would mean it’d pretty much serve as an office space and would be open to tourists for more than just the three months it is right now. Charles’ parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, currently live in Buckingham Palace.

The royal publication adds that Charles “doesn’t see [Buckingham Palace] as a ­viable future home or a house that’s fit for purpose in the modern world. He feels its upkeep, both from a cost and environmental perspective, is not sustainable.” Apparently, his older son, Prince William, agrees with this mindset completely, too!

Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing $460 million in renovations that will last a decade. “Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and this program is designed to extend its working life by a further 50 years. On completion of the work, we’ll have a Palace fit for purpose until 2067,” the Master of the Queen’s Household, Tony Johnstone-Burt, said in a statement last year. “The program addresses parts of the structure you can’t see from the outside: the plumbing, electrics and other essential building services which have gone six decades without a comprehensive upgrade.”

Buckingham Palace.

Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, currently live in Clarence House in London. William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, also lived there until they William got married to Kate Middleton and Harry moved out. Charles’ office is denying claims that he and Camilla wouldn’t move into Buckingham Palace once he takes the throne. “Buckingham Palace will remain the official London residence of the Monarch,” a spokesperson said. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!