King Charles urged not to U-turn on his property plans for 2027

King Charles, 77, currently resides at Clarence House with his wife Queen Camilla, a place which holds lots of fond memories for the royal as it is where his grandmother used to live. Despite not yet living at the "official" home of the monarch, Buckingham Palace, he does have plans to move in next year. However, his old friend, interior designer Nicky Haslam, has spoken to the Daily Mail to express his concerns that this landmark relocation might not take place.

Nicky has urged the monarch to keep to his promise of moving into Buckingham Palace after the current refurbishment has been completed, as he says the alternative of it being an office HQ leaves it with "no magic". He also points out to the publication that Prince William, the King's son, has no intention of living there in the future, so Charles could well be the last royal to use it as a functioning home.

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It is believed that Queen Elizabeth II was also reluctant to live in the big palace and was quite happy residing at Clarence House. It was Winston Churchill, who was then Prime Minister, who convinced her to move, claims royal biographer, Penny Junor. The Queen's unhappiness with moving from her first marital home to the iconic palace was also depicted in the Netflix show, The Crown.

The 10-year project 

It has previously been announced that the King will not be relocating until 2027 due to the palace's extensive renovations. All was revealed in the palace's annual Sovereign Grant report, which explained that the couple will not be moving in until works on their private apartments are completed. The apartments are situated in the Palace's North Wing, which is not due to be finished until the end of the mammoth ten-year renovation process. 

The extensive £369 million renovation project commenced when Queen Elizabeth II was alive, and it involves futureproofing the palace including new wiring throughout.

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Charles has been applauded for the fact that he has used a team of apprentices for the renovations, giving an incredible opportunity to young people to work inside the palace. Fans have commended the decision online, writing: "Such an amazing opportunity!!!" and "Very cool! That would be a wonderful point on a resume. Resurfaced Buckingham."