When one thinks of the British monarch and their London residence, Buckingham Palace is likely what comes to mind. For King Charles III and Queen Camilla, they are often at Buckingham for work, but it is the 19th-century townhome, Clarence House, that Their Majesties call “home.”
Embed from Getty ImagesBuilt between 1825 and 1827, the four-storey home has seen extensive remodelling and reconstruction. While many have lived in these walls, The King and Queen have called the residence home since 2003. The then Prince of Wales shared the residence with his sons, Princes William and Harry, and Camilla. Before they lived there, it was The King’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who lived there since her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, ascended the throne in 1953. She lived there until she died in 2002.
Embed from Getty ImagesSaid to be “very homey,” Clarence House includes five bedrooms and a drawing room. In addition, there is a central fireplace, and the morning room is filled with personal photographs, art, and antiques. The Queen Mother continues to leave her mark with her garden room. The two rooms were dedicated to welcoming official visitors. These rooms feature instruments (including The King’s harp,) works of art, and family photos. After her death, Clarence House underwent extensive refurbishment and redecoration, including new colour schemes, updated textiles, and new pieces from the Royal Collection and The King’s art collection.
Their Majesties will continue to use Clarence House as their London home at least through 2027 while renovations to Buckingham Palace are ongoing. During this time, Buckingham Palace remains the administrative headquarters for the monarchy and the location of state events.
At this time, Clarence House is not open to the public.
