The British Royal Family’s residential arrangements span the United Kingdom and internationally, with various members maintaining multiple properties for different seasons, purposes, and official functions. Understanding where each royal family member resides provides insight into the institutional structure of the monarchy, the contemporary priorities of different family branches, and how the royal household manages its extraordinary property portfolio.
As of late 2025, significant residential transitions have occurred—most notably Prince William and Catherine’s relocation from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge, their intended permanent “forever home”—establishing new patterns within the royal family’s domestic arrangements. This comprehensive article provides a detailed overview of where each major member of the Royal Family currently lives, examining their primary residences, secondary properties, and the strategic considerations influencing their residential choices.
The Monarch and Immediate Royal Family
King Charles III and Queen Camilla
*Primary London Residence:* Clarence House, Westminster, London
*Status:* Currently residing while Buckingham Palace undergoes renovation
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have maintained residence at Clarence House since 2003 (when Charles was Prince of Wales). Following Charles’s accession to the throne in September 2022, they continued residing at Clarence House rather than immediately relocating to Buckingham Palace. This arrangement reflects the ongoing £369 million renovation project at Buckingham Palace, which is expected to continue through approximately 2027.
Clarence House, a four-storey townhouse located on The Mall in Westminster adjacent to St. James’s Palace, provides adequate royal accommodations while Buckingham Palace undergoes comprehensive modernization. The residence has served multiple members of the royal family historically, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip following their marriage in 1947, the Queen Mother from 1953-2002, and various other royal occupants across its history.
Scottish Residence: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
King Charles maintains his official Scottish residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where he resides during official Scottish engagements and the annual Holyrood Week. The palace serves ceremonial and governmental functions within Scotland, hosting official receptions and conducting royal business related to Scotland.
Summer Retreat: Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire
King Charles spends portions of his summer vacation at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, maintaining the tradition established by Queen Victoria and continued by Queen Elizabeth II. The 50,000-acre estate serves as the primary summer retreat for the royal family, with Charles traditionally splitting his vacation between Balmoral and the Castle of Mey, his grandmother’s former beloved property in far northern Scotland.
Secondary Residence (Privately Leased): Highgrove House, Gloucestershire
King Charles maintains deep affection for Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, a Georgian manor that he personally developed as Prince of Wales. Following his accession to the throne, the Duchy of Cornwall (which he had managed as Prince) transferred to Prince William. Charles now leases Highgrove from William at approximately £785,000 annually, continuing to reside there regularly and maintain the gardens representing his horticultural passion.
Personal Ownership: Birkhall, Aberdeenshire
King Charles personally owns Birkhall, a historic residence located within the Balmoral estate approximately 10 miles from the main castle. He inherited the property following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002. Charles maintains extraordinary attachment to Birkhall, having honeymooned there with Queen Camilla in 2005, and has extensively enhanced the gardens while preserving spaces created by his grandmother.
Personal Ownership: Castle of Mey, Caithness
King Charles owns the Castle of Mey, located in far northern Scotland in Caithness. The property, originally named Barrogill Castle, was acquired by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1952 and became her beloved Highland retreat. Charles inherited the castle following her death and maintains the tradition of spending portions of his summer vacation there before traveling to Balmoral. The castle represents the northernmost castle on mainland Scotland.
International Property: Romania Holdings
King Charles maintains private properties in Transylvania, Romania, including residences in Viscri village and Zálánpatak. These properties serve as training centers for traditional crafts and rural skills, reflecting his commitment to heritage preservation and sustainable rural development within European regions.
Private Ownership: Ray Mill House Adjacent Property, Wiltshire
In March 2025, King Charles personally purchased The Old Mill House adjacent to Queen Camilla’s Ray Mill House property in Reybridge, Wiltshire, for approximately $4 million (approximately £3.2 million). The purchase was specifically designed to prevent the property from being sold to an external buyer who might transform it into a wedding venue, compromising Camilla’s privacy and security. This acquisition demonstrates Charles’s personal commitment to protecting his wife’s wellbeing and security using his private financial resources.
Queen Camilla’s Personal Property
Ray Mill House, Wiltshire
Queen Camilla personally owns Ray Mill House in Reybridge, Wiltshire, acquired in the mid-1990s following her divorce from Andrew Parker-Bowles. She resided there full-time before marrying King Charles and maintains personal ownership of the property. Camilla enlarged the property to accommodate her ten grandchildren, establishing it as a family gathering place. The property remains a deeply personal asset for Camilla, representing her independent property ownership prior to marriage to the King.
Prince William and Catherine (Prince and Princess of Wales)
Primary Residence (New – Late 2025)
*Forest Lodge, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire*
*Move Date:* November 2025 (completed)
*Estimated Value:* £16 million
*Bedrooms:* 8
*Grade:* Grade II-listed Georgian mansion
Prince William and Catherine have relocated to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion located in a private section of Windsor Great Park, as their primary family residence. The family officially moved into Forest Lodge by Christmas 2025, completing a transition announced in August 2025.
The relocation represents a significant milestone, with Royal sources indicating that Forest Lodge is intended to serve as their permanent “forever home,” even following William’s eventual accession to the throne. The property provides substantially more space than Adelaide Cottage, with eight bedrooms compared to Adelaide’s four, comprehensive amenities suitable for royal entertaining and family life, and extensive grounds providing privacy within Windsor Great Park.
Royal sources explained that “Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times. Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter. It’s an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind.”
The Wales family funded the Forest Lodge acquisition and renovation privately through Duchy of Cornwall resources, avoiding taxpayer funding of royal residences and circumventing public spending controversy.
Secondary London Residence
*Apartment 1A, Kensington Palace, London*
*Status:* Maintained as official London residence
Prince William and Catherine maintain Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace as their official London residence, though they relocated their primary family residence to Forest Lodge in November 2025. The apartment comprises a 20-room wing across four floors and was formerly the home of Princess Margaret until her death in 2002.
William and Catherine officially moved into Apartment 1A in October 2013 with baby Prince George. The apartment remains their London base for official functions, entertaining, and work-related residence when in the capital, though the family now primarily resides at Forest Lodge.
Country Estate Residence
*Anmer Hall, Sandringham Estate, Norfolk*
*Status:* Country retreat property
Anmer Hall, located on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, was gifted to Prince William and Catherine by Queen Elizabeth II following their 2011 wedding. The couple invested over $2 million (approximately £1.6 million) in renovating the property’s interior.
Anmer Hall served as the couple’s full-time residence from approximately 2015-2017 while Prince William worked for the East Anglian Air Ambulance as a search and rescue pilot. The family relocated to London in 2017 to return to more official royal duties, but Anmer Hall continues to serve as their Norfolk country retreat, used for private family time and vacations.
The property holds particular significance as the setting where Catherine recorded her cancer recovery video announcement in January 2025, filmed in the gardens of Anmer Hall. The intimate setting demonstrated the property’s continued role in the family’s private life.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Duke and Duchess of Sussex)
Primary Residence
*Montecito, California, United States*
*Status:* Permanent residence established 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to Montecito, California, in July 2020 following their departure from senior royal duties. The couple established a permanent residence in the exclusive Montecito community, where they reside with their two children, Prince Archie (born 2019) and Princess Lilibet (born 2021).
The Sussexes maintain their primary focus on life in North America, with limited engagement with UK royal affairs following their 2020 departure. Their residence in Montecito places them approximately 5,700 miles from London and represents a fundamental geographic and institutional separation from the British monarchy’s operations.
UK Property Status
*Frogmore Cottage, Windsor Estate (Offered to Prince Andrew)*
Frogmore Cottage, which served as Prince Harry and Meghan’s primary UK residence following their 2019 wedding, has been offered by King Charles III to Prince Andrew. The property, for which Prince Harry repaid £2.4 million renovation costs in 2020, currently faces uncertain occupancy as negotiations regarding Andrew’s residency proceed.
Prince Edward and Sophie (Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh)
Primary London Residence
*Bagshot Park, Surrey*
*Status:* Main residence
Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, reside at Bagshot Park in Surrey, a substantial royal residence providing privacy and grounds suitable for their family lifestyle. The property has served as their primary residence for extended periods.
Secondary Residence
*Residence TBD (Potential Future Arrangements)*
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and Charles’s accession to the throne, Prince Edward assumed the title of Duke of Edinburgh (previously held by his father, Prince Philip). Edward’s residential arrangements may evolve with his enhanced royal responsibilities.
Princess Anne (Princess Royal)
Primary Residence
*Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire*
*Status:* Personal property, primary residence
Princess Anne personally owns Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, a private estate that has served as her primary residence for decades. The property was given to her by Queen Elizabeth II in 1976 as a wedding gift and represents Anne’s personal property ownership.
Gatcombe Park encompasses substantial acreage and hosts various equestrian activities reflecting Princess Anne’s lifelong passion for horses and competitive riding. The estate serves as her private family residence and base for her extensive royal duties.
London Residence
*St. James’s Palace Apartments, London*
Princess Anne maintains apartments at St. James’s Palace in central London for use when undertaking royal duties in the capital. The palace provides convenient location for her official engagements and ceremonial functions.
Andrew, Duke of York
Current Primary Residence
*Royal Lodge, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire*
*Status:* Residence under transition/subject to relocation directive
Prince Andrew has resided at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park for extended periods, maintaining a substantial 30-room property within the royal estate complex. However, King Charles III has issued a directive requiring Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, with reports indicating a three-month timeframe for his departure.
Directed Future Residence
Sandringham, Norfolk (Pending)
Reports indicate that Prince Andrew has been directed toward relocating to properties or accommodations near Sandringham in Norfolk, though specific final arrangements as of late 2025 remain uncertain. This proposed relocation has generated local opposition, with Sandringham residents expressing concern about Andrew’s proximity to their community.
Frogmore Cottage (Offered by King Charles)
King Charles has offered Frogmore Cottage (the property Prince Harry and Meghan previously occupied) to Prince Andrew as an alternative residence. Whether Andrew will accept Frogmore Cottage or relocate to Norfolk remains subject to ongoing negotiations.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent
London Residence
Wren House, Kensington Palace Grounds, London
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and his wife Princess Michael of Kent reside at Wren House located on the grounds of Kensington Palace in London. The property provides accommodation within the palace complex while maintaining privacy and independence.
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra
London Residence
Apartments, Kensington Palace
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (cousin of King Charles) and Princess Alexandra maintain apartments within Kensington Palace. The palace’s multi-unit residential arrangement accommodates numerous royal family members requiring London bases for official engagements and family obligations.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
UK London Residence
Ivy Cottage, Kensington Palace Grounds, London
Status: When in United Kingdom
Princess Eugenie (daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York) and her husband Jack Brooksbank maintain Ivy Cottage on the Kensington Palace grounds as their UK residence when located in London. The cottage provides accommodation within the palace complex.
Primary Residence
Comporta, Portugal
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank divide their time between the UK and their primary residence in Comporta, Portugal. Reports indicate they spend substantial portions of the year in Portugal, with Ivy Cottage serving as their UK base during periods when they are in Britain.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Primary Residence
Residence details not extensively publicized
Princess Beatrice (daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson) and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi maintain a private residence, though specific details regarding their primary residential location are not extensively publicized by the Royal Family.
Other Royal Family Members
Prince William’s Cousins at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace Apartments
Multiple members of the extended royal family maintain apartments within Kensington Palace:
– Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
– Duke and Duchess of Kent (Wren House)
– Prince and Princess of Kent (Apartment 10)
These residences provide London bases for royal family members requiring proximity to official engagements and palace functions.
Seasonal Residential Patterns
Summer Residence Pattern
During summer months (typically July-September), multiple royal family members relocate to Scottish properties:
– *King Charles:* Divides time between Balmoral Castle and Castle of Mey
– *Royal Family Members:* Various family members join the King at Balmoral for extended vacation periods
– *Traditional Balmoral Season:* Late July through September has historically been the primary royal vacation period
Christmas Residence Pattern
Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
Traditionally, the Royal Family gathers at Sandringham House in Norfolk for Christmas celebrations, a pattern established across decades and continued through multiple monarchs. This seasonal concentration at Sandringham represents important family time and cultural tradition within the monarchy.
Easter Residence Pattern
Various royal family members return to their primary UK residences for Easter celebrations and spring holidays, with patterns varying by individual family units and official obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does King Charles III currently live?
King Charles III currently resides at Clarence House on The Mall in Westminster, London, where he has maintained residence since 2003. He continues residing there while Buckingham Palace undergoes its £369 million renovation project expected to conclude around 2027. Seasonally, he splits his time between Clarence House (winter/spring), Balmoral Castle (summer), Palace of Holyroodhouse (during official Scottish engagements), and his private properties including Highgrove House, Birkhall, and Castle of Mey.
Where do Prince William and Catherine currently live after their November 2025 move?
Prince William and Catherine relocated to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park, by November 2025. This represents their primary “forever home” intended to serve them even following William’s eventual accession to the throne. They maintain Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace as their official London residence and Anmer Hall as their Norfolk country retreat, but Forest Lodge is their primary family residence.
Why did Prince William and Catherine move from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge?
Royal sources indicated that while Adelaide Cottage was adequate initially, the family desired substantially more space as their children grew older. Additionally, reports suggest the family wished to escape “unhappy memories” associated with Adelaide Cottage, where Catherine recovered from cancer and where various family challenges occurred. Forest Lodge’s eight bedrooms, comprehensive amenities, and extensive grounds provide superior family accommodation compared to Adelaide Cottage’s four-bedroom modest layout.
Where does Prince Harry currently live?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside in Montecito, California, United States, where they relocated in July 2020 following their departure from senior royal duties. They maintain their primary focus on life in North America, with limited UK engagement. While Frogmore Cottage remains their UK property (now offered to Prince Andrew by King Charles), they do not actively reside there.
What is the status of Frogmore Cottage following Prince Harry’s departure?
Frogmore Cottage, which housed Prince Harry and Meghan after their 2019 wedding, subsequently provided residence for Princess Eugenie (2020-2022). King Charles III offered the property to Prince Andrew in 2023 as part of arrangements related to Andrew’s required departure from Royal Lodge. The property’s final occupancy status remains uncertain as negotiations regarding Andrew’s residency continue as of late 2025.
Is Prince Andrew being forced to leave Royal Lodge?
Yes. King Charles III issued a directive requiring Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, with reports indicating a three-month timeframe for his departure. Andrew has been offered alternative properties including Frogmore Cottage or potential relocation to Sandringham in Norfolk, though final arrangements remain uncertain.
How many residences does King Charles III actually use?
King Charles maintains regular use of approximately six major residences:
1. Clarence House (London – primary current residence)
2. Balmoral Castle (Scottish summer retreat)
3. Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh – official Scottish residence)
4. Highgrove House (Gloucestershire – leased from Prince William, personal favorite)
5. Birkhall (Aberdeenshire – personal ownership, family retreat)
6. Castle of Mey (Caithness – personal ownership, summer vacation destination)
Additionally, he has custodianship of Crown-owned properties including Buckingham Palace (his eventual permanent residence following renovation completion).
Which royal residences are privately owned versus Crown-owned?
*Crown-Owned Properties:*
– Buckingham Palace
– Windsor Castle
– Clarence House
– St. James’s Palace
– Kensington Palace
– Palace of Holyroodhouse
– Sandringham House
– Many others held by the Crown Estate
*Privately Owned Properties:*
– Balmoral Castle (King Charles)
– Birkhall (King Charles)
– Castle of Mey (King Charles)
– Highgrove House (Prince William – leased to King Charles)
– Gatcombe Park (Princess Anne)
– Ray Mill House (Queen Camilla)
– Various international properties (King Charles in Romania)
How much does it cost annually to maintain these royal residences?
Annual maintenance costs vary dramatically by property size and complexity. Balmoral Castle costs approximately £3 million annually; Buckingham Palace renovation project costs £369 million total (completion targeted 2027); Sandringham Estate maintenance involves substantial ongoing expenses. Combined annual maintenance across all major properties likely exceeds £50 million.
Why do royal family members maintain multiple properties?
Multiple properties serve distinct functions: primary London residences support official duties; Scottish properties serve Holyrood Week and official Scottish engagements; summer properties provide vacation retreats; country estates offer privacy and family time away from official centers. The geographic distribution reflects the monarchy’s institutional role spanning multiple regions across the United Kingdom.
What is the significance of Forest Lodge becoming Prince William and Catherine’s “forever home”?
Forest Lodge is explicitly identified as the Wales family’s permanent long-term residence, representing a strategic shift toward establishing a fixed family base. Royal sources indicate William intends to maintain Forest Lodge as his residence even following his accession to the throne, suggesting future monarchical operations may be distributed between multiple residences rather than centering exclusively on Buckingham Palace.
Does the Royal Family own or rent any of their residences?
Primarily ownership: Crown-owned properties serve official functions held in perpetuity by the Crown Estate; privately owned properties are held by family members personally. One notable exception: King Charles leases Highgrove House from Prince William at approximately £785,000 annually following the transfer of the Duchy of Cornwall to William. The Sussexes rented properties in Canada before establishing permanent ownership in California.
Are any royal residences open to public visitors?
Yes. Multiple properties permit controlled public access:
– Buckingham Palace (summer months)
– Windsor Castle (extensive visitor program)
– Hampton Court Palace (museum/historic site)
– Tower of London (museum/Crown Jewels)
– Kensington Palace (tours and exhibitions)
– Balmoral Castle (2024 opened private areas to tours for first time)
– Sandringham (limited seasonal access)
Will residency arrangements change following Buckingham Palace renovation completion in 2027?
Almost certainly. Following Buckingham Palace’s renovation completion around 2027, King Charles is expected to relocate to the palace as his primary London residence, transitioning from Clarence House. However, Charles may retain use of Clarence House for secondary purposes or maintain other residences (Highgrove, Balmoral, Holyroodhouse) as before.
How do Prince William and Catherine’s three children factor into residential planning?
The Wales children’s education requirements (schooling in Windsor area) influenced the family’s relocation from London to Adelaide Cottage (2022) and subsequently Forest Lodge (2025). The larger space at Forest Lodge accommodates their growing family while maintaining proximity to their current school locations. Royal sources indicate the family values stability in education and residential continuity for their children.
Conclusion
The British Royal Family’s residential arrangements as of late 2025 reflect a complex balance of official governmental functions, ceremonial requirements, personal preferences, and strategic family planning. King Charles III currently resides at Clarence House while Buckingham Palace undergoes renovation, with seasonal relocation among multiple Scottish properties and personal residences reflecting his lifestyle preferences and institutional obligations.
Prince William and Catherine’s November 2025 relocation to Forest Lodge represents a significant shift toward establishing a permanent family base outside the immediate Westminster governmental core, signaling their intention to maintain Windsor Great Park residence even following William’s eventual accession to the throne. This decision reflects contemporary royal life priorities emphasizing family stability, educational continuity for children, and strategic separation between official governmental centers and intimate family life.
The broader royal family distribution across London properties (Kensington Palace, St. James’s Palace apartments) accommodates numerous family members’ needs for London bases supporting official engagements and ceremonial functions. Similarly, Scottish properties—Balmoral, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Birkhall, and Castle of Mey—enable summer retreats and official Scottish presence.
Princess Anne’s independent ownership of Gatcombe Park, Queen Camilla’s personal ownership of Ray Mill House, and the Sussexes’ permanent California residence demonstrate the diversity of residential arrangements within the extended royal family. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew’s required departure from Royal Lodge and subsequent housing uncertainty reflects institutional changes in royal family dynamics following Charles’s accession.
These residential arrangements collectively demonstrate how the monarchy balances historical institutional requirements (Crown-owned palaces serving official functions), contemporary family needs (Forest Lodge providing spacious family accommodation), personal preferences (Charles’s beloved Highgrove, Scottish estates), and strategic positioning (properties distributed across UK regions supporting various official roles). The 2025 residential shifts, particularly Prince William’s “forever home” establishment at Forest Lodge, suggest evolving patterns in how future monarchy may operate geographically and functionally across multiple residences rather than concentrating exclusively at Buckingham Palace.
To read more : London City News