King Charles’ decision not to live at Buckingham Palace full-time has changed the way the public sees the royal residence, according to a royal expert.
His Majesty chose not to make the palace his permanent home after becoming monarch, a move that has shifted some attention away from the historic property and its traditional image as the centre of royal life.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that part of Buckingham Palace’s charm was always tied to the idea that the monarch might be inside.
She said there was once a certain excitement in standing by the railings and wondering whether someone royal might be looking out from behind the curtains.
Bond admitted that this was mostly a fantasy, as the private apartments are set further back. She also pointed out that no one has actually lived at the palace for nearly seven years.
“Has anyone noticed? Probably not,” she said.
The royal expert added that the public will still have opportunities to see the King and other members of the royal family arriving at the palace for meetings, events and official engagements. Traditional occasions such as garden parties and the Changing of the Guard will also continue.
However, Bond said the change still takes away some of the palace’s old magic.
“The Palace insists it will still be the beating heart of the monarchy,” she said, adding that she is not entirely convinced.
Bond concluded that Buckingham Palace will now have to prove its value in a different way, especially as it continues to serve as one of the monarchy’s most famous public symbols.
