King Charles III chooses to stay at Clarence House, not move into renovated Buckingham Palace

King Charles III has broken a nearly 200‑year tradition by deciding not to take up residence in Buckingham Palace after its extensive ten‑year, £369 million refurbishment. The monarch will continue to live at Clarence House near St James’s Palace, citing the logistical burden of a large move and the desire to keep the palace open to the public for state functions.

At the same time, a planned visit by his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, could be delayed because the British government refused Prince Harry’s request for police protection for the children while they are abroad. The decision follows the 2020 step‑back of Harry and Meghan from official duties, which also saw their security detail withdrawn, and has left the royal family uncertain about future family reunions.