Prince Charles to make major changes to these royal palaces after becoming king

Prince Charles believes the monarchy needs to keep ‘evolving’

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attends the VJ Day National Remembrance event, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, on August 15, 2020 in Alrewas, England
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Prince Charles is reportedly set to make some huge changes to the royal palaces after he ascends to the throne.


Prince Charles is said to be planning to make some significant changes to the royal palaces when he becomes king. The Prince of Wales has recently been taking an even more prominent role in the Royal Family following Prince Philip’s death. Earlier this month, the Queen was supported by Prince Charles as they faced a heartbreaking detail at her first major royal appearance since losing her husband. 

Whilst some reports have even put forward the possibility that Prince Charles is to 'cut down' the Royal Family in the future. Though it seems that many well-known royal palaces could also undergo some noticeable changes. The Sunday Times has suggested that Charles intends to transform the royal residences from private homes to public spaces when he ascends the throne. 

Clarence House the London home of Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall

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“The prince wants to bring people in to connect with the institution" a royal source claimed to the publication. "He recognises it needs to keep evolving, and in the modern era people want to be able to access their palaces. He embraces that and sees them as public places more than private spaces.”

These plans supposedly include the Prince of Wales’ own London residence, Clarence House, which is currently only open to the public during the summer months. However, Prince Charles will reportedly be seeking to open up many other residences including Buckingham Palace which is currently undergoing a major renovation.  

A general view of Buckingham Palace on April 17, 2021 in London, England

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It’s thought that both Charles and the Queen believe the public should be able to get maximum enjoyment from the residence once finished. The Sunday Times suggests that Charles is considering opening up both the palace and its magnificent gardens throughout the year, including when he is in residence. 

And while the Queen has spent much of the past year at Windsor Castle, Charles is keen to “open it up much further”, according to a royal source, as he won’t use it as a “base” once he's king. The same has been said of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the public usually only has access to a limited amount of the gardens and grounds, as well as the ballroom, from April-July. 

A general view of Balmoral Castle as Queen Elizabeth holds a private audience on September 20, 2017 in Aberdeen Scotland.

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Like Balmoral, Sandringham House, the Norfolk residence where the Queen usually spends Christmas, is privately owned. Though Charles is allegedly expected to open it up all year round. Nothing has yet been confirmed, though it’s been suggested that Charles has begun to consult with Duchess Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other royals about his plans.

The Queen herself is reportedly aware of the plans, though it’s not yet known how she would feel about these historic palaces undergoing such huge changes while they remain royal homes.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!