Questions have been raised after it emerged that King Charles III will not move into Buckingham Palace once its decade-long refurbishment is completed next year, despite the project carrying a price tag of around £369 million.
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter has now explained why the extensive renovation was necessary, arguing that the work was never about creating a private home for the King.
Responding to the debate on X, formerly Twitter, Arbiter said the refurbishment was focused on modernising one of Britain's most important public buildings rather than renovating the monarch's personal residence.
"Why was £369m spent if the King isn't going to live at BP? It's really quite simple: he wasn't having his house done up," she wrote.
"The Monarchy's HQ is being made fit for purpose in the 21st Century. Wiring, electrics, plumbing, asbestos etc., most of which hasn't been touched in eons."
King Charles has decided to remain at Clarence House, his long-time London residence, even after the Buckingham Palace refurbishment is completed. When the project began in 2017, officials had expected Buckingham Palace to continue serving as the monarch's primary London home, as it has since Queen Victoria made it the sovereign's official residence in 1837.
Despite the King's decision, Buckingham Palace will remain the centre of the monarchy's official operations.
James Chalmers, the King's Treasurer and Keeper of the Privy Purse, said the palace will continue to host major ceremonial events, including state visits and official receptions.
"It is and will remain 'monarchy HQ', the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign's standard flying proudly from the roof whenever His Majesty is in London," Chalmers told reporters.
The refurbishment, which began in 2017, includes replacing ageing electrical wiring, plumbing and heating systems, removing asbestos, and upgrading the building's infrastructure to modern safety and environmental standards. Officials have also said part of the investment supports energy efficiency improvements and enhanced cyber security, ensuring the palace can continue to serve as the operational headquarters of the British monarchy for decades to come.
