Being a member of the British royal family comes with an array of privileges, including the opulence of their residences, which range from gilded palaces to diamond-studded spaces. Among the prominent properties is Clarence House, serving as the King’s official London residence, and Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, cherished as a favored retreat and a constant in the public eye. Yet, the royal family’s extensive property portfolio extends far beyond these iconic residences. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, and the subsequent coronation of Charles III on May 6, 2023, there have been notable shifts in their dwelling arrangements. From historic Tudor-era private estates to picturesque countryside cottages, this overview delves into the diverse and lavish homes that the royal family has occupied, offering insights into who resides where in this regal real estate portfolio.
Buckingham Palace
London, England
Who’s Moving In: King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla (Potentially)
Balmoral Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Who Gets It: King Charles III
Kensington Palace
London, England
Who’s Moving In: Potentially Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Who’s There Now: The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Prince and Princess of Kent, Princess Eugenie
Kensington Palace, a regal residence with an estimated value of $740 million, has served as a royal abode for three centuries. Since 2017, it has been the residence of the Cambridges—Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their three children, residing in apartment 1A, formerly occupied by Princess Margaret. The family’s “apartment” underwent substantial renovations, with a $1.6 million overhaul preceding their move in 2013 and an additional $4.9 million revamp the following year. The accommodation boasts five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, a night and day nursery, as well as staff quarters. Recently, the Cambridges relocated to Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire.
During the Cambridges’ absence, Kensington Palace reportedly welcomed four new tenants. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who purchased a nine-bedroom home in Montecito, California, in 2020, returned to the U.K., renting a new residence in Kensington Palace. This move is seen as a significant gesture in rebuilding their relationship with the rest of the royal family, according to royal expert Duncan Larcombe. The rental is viewed as a potential occasional home for the couple, offering them a place to stay when in the U.K., rather than a permanent residence. The expert notes a softening in Harry and Meghan’s attitudes towards the royal family since the publication of Harry’s book, “Spare,” in January.
Other residents of Kensington Palace, as listed on the royal family’s official website, include the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent (residing in Wren House), the Prince and Princess of Kent (apartment 10), and Princess Eugenie, Harry and William’s cousin. Princess Eugenie and her husband moved into Nottingham Cottage, previously the first home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, earlier this year.
ADELAIDE COTTAGE
Berkshire, England
Who’s Moving In: No one (that we know of)
Who’s There Now: Prince William and Kate Middleton
Windsor Castle
Berkshire, England
Who Gets It: King Charles III
Who’s Moving In: Likely Prince William and Kate Middleton
Windsor Castle, often affectionately known as “the Big House,” stands as the oldest inhabited castle globally, deeply entwined with Britain’s royal history for nearly a millennium. Commissioned by William the Conqueror in around 1070, the castle’s construction spanned 16 years. While Queen Elizabeth II formally made Windsor Castle her official residence earlier in the year, she had been frequenting the castle for private weekends throughout her reign. Additionally, she spent a month in the spring for Easter Court, as well as a week each June for the Royal Ascot and the service of the Order of the Garter.
Following the Queen’s passing, King Charles has inherited Windsor Castle. Reports from the Sunday Times suggest that Prince William and Kate Middleton may eventually take up residence in the castle, assuming new roles in light of their change in status. However, the relocation may be postponed, given their recent move to Adelaide Cottage.
Frogmore Cottage
Windsor, England
Who’s Moving In: Prince Andrew was set to move in, but those plans have been delayed while his ex-wife recovers from surgery
Who’s There Now: It remains vacant since Prince Harry and Meghan’s left their U.K. home
Frogmore Cottage, distinct from Frogmore House located half a mile away from Windsor Castle, has a rich history dating back to its construction between 1680 and 1684. Originally the residence of Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent, this Grade II listed royal retreat served as a haven for Queen Charlotte and her daughters in the early 19th century. More recently, it became the second home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who controversially used $3.2 million for renovations, later reimbursing the amount in full in early 2020 before their move to California.
In 2020, Princess Eugenie and her husband resided at Frogmore Cottage with their son until May 2022. Despite the Sussexes’ initial plan to maintain Frogmore Cottage as a UK residence, their arrangement changed in May 2023. Following Charles’ ascent to the throne, he “offered” the keys to the cottage to Prince Andrew, leading Prince Harry and Meghan to vacate their residence. Reports from The Sun suggest that, post the release of Harry’s memoir “Spare,” the Sussexes are organizing the shipment of their remaining belongings to the US.
Frogmore Cottage boasts features that defy its humble name, including two orangeries, a vegetable garden, and a yoga studio. Renowned interior designer Vicky Charles was tapped for the cottage’s design. Plans for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s move from Royal Lodge to Frogmore Cottage, both on the Windsor Estate, have reportedly been put on hold due to Ferguson’s recent eight-hour mastectomy for breast cancer recovery, as reported by The Independent in July.
Clarence House
London, England
Who’s Moving In: No one (that we know of)
Who’s There Now: King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Sandringham House
Norfolk, England
Who Gets It: King Charles III
Sandringham House, a Georgian mansion with origins dating back to 1771 when it was constructed by the Hoste Henley family, holds a storied history. This Grade II-listed mansion underwent transformations over the years before being acquired by King Edward VII for his future wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Under King Edward VII’s ownership, the estate saw the construction of the Sandringham House, characterized by a “frenetic Jacobean” style, as described by Pevsner.
Following King Edward VII’s passing, the estate transitioned to his son, George V, who initiated the tradition of broadcasting the royal Christmas message from the house, a beloved holiday custom in Britain. George V passed away at Sandringham House in 1936, and the estate subsequently went to Edward VIII, who also breathed his last there in 1952. Queen Elizabeth II assumed ownership of the estate, and it gained renown as the venue for the royal family’s annual Christmas celebrations.
In 2017, King Charles III assumed management of the estate. The late Prince Philip chose to spend a significant portion of his post-retirement years at Wood Farm on the estate. Additionally, Prince William and Princess Kate have a residence, Anmer Hall, situated on the expansive Sandringham estate. The estate’s rich history and royal connections make it a central hub for both personal retreats and celebrated family gatherings.