Discover the surprising royal tradition Princess Kate won’t follow—Here’s why
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When you think of the British royal family, Buckingham Palace probably springs to mind—its grand façade, the famous balcony, and the changing of the guard are all iconic symbols of monarchy.
For nearly 200 years, it’s been the official London residence of the reigning monarch, a place where history has unfolded and where the world’s most powerful have gathered.
But in a surprising twist, it seems that when the time comes for Prince William and Princess Kate to ascend the throne, they’ll be breaking with this long-standing tradition—and they’re not shy about it.
Buckingham Palace: A Storied Past, an Uncertain Future
Let’s set the scene: Buckingham Palace isn’t just a house—it’s a national treasure with 775 rooms, its own lake, and even an ATM.
Since 1837, it’s been home to four kings, four queens, 27 princes and princesses, and countless dignitaries. It’s also, amusingly, been the residence of Prince Andrew’s infamous collection of 72 teddy bears.
But despite its grandeur, the palace has become something of a white elephant for the modern royals.
Currently, the palace is in the midst of a massive $776 million, decade-long renovation, with everything from ancient plumbing to leaky roofs being replaced. The work is scheduled to finish in 2027, but here’s the kicker: no one seems to want to move in.
Why Don’t the Royals Want to Live There?
You might be thinking, 'Who wouldn’t want to live in a palace?' But the reality is, Buckingham Palace isn’t exactly the cosiest of homes.
Even Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip preferred to escape to Windsor Castle or Sandringham whenever they could, and during the pandemic, they left London altogether, never to return to the palace as their main residence.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have followed suit, choosing to remain at Clarence House, just a stone’s throw from the palace.
Charles has even been quoted as calling Buckingham Palace 'the big house' and reportedly doesn’t see it as a suitable home for modern royal life.
William and Kate: The Next Generation, the Next Big Change
Looking ahead, Prince William and Princess Kate are making it clear that they have no intention of moving into Buckingham Palace either. Their preference for a more 'normal' family life is well documented.
Since their marriage in 2011, they’ve chosen to live at Adelaide Cottage, a relatively modest four-bedroom home on the Windsor Estate. Unlike the palatial surroundings of Buckingham Palace, Adelaide Cottage doesn’t even have live-in staff—a rarity for royals.
The Waleses are often seen doing the school run, attending their children’s concerts and sporting events, and generally trying to give their kids as normal an upbringing as possible (well, as normal as it gets when your dad is the future king).
Just recently, Prince William was spotted poolside at Princess Charlotte’s swimming gala, holding her sports bag 'just like any other dad'.
For a family that values privacy and a sense of normalcy, the idea of living in a palace that’s essentially a tourist attraction—with over 800 staff, 300,000 annual visitors, and countless official events—sounds more like a nightmare than a dream.
A Palace Without a Purpose?
So, what happens to Buckingham Palace if no one wants to live there? It’s a question that’s starting to loom large.
With so many royal residences and a shrinking number of royals to fill them, the palace could become more of a museum than a home.
And with the public unlikely to support the idea of distant cousins moving in just to fill the space, the future of the palace as a royal residence is uncertain.
There’s also a broader shift happening within the royal family. William and Kate’s approach to royal life is more modern, more relatable, and less about opulence.
Just this week, Kate was seen at a hospital in Colchester, wearing trainers and chatting openly about her feelings—something that would have been unthinkable inside the palace walls a generation ago.
What Does This Mean for the Monarchy?
The decision to forgo living in Buckingham Palace is more than just a matter of personal preference—it’s a sign of how the monarchy is evolving. The royal family is increasingly aware of the need to stay relevant and relatable in a changing world. By choosing a more down-to-earth lifestyle, William and Kate are sending a message that the monarchy can adapt and modernise.
Of course, the palace will still play a role in royal life. It will remain the site of official offices, state events, and those famous balcony appearances. But as a family home? It seems its days may be numbered.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, members! Do you think William and Kate are right to break with tradition and skip living in Buckingham Palace? Or do you think the future King and Queen should embrace the grandeur and symbolism of the palace? Have you ever visited Buckingham Palace, or would you like to? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
For nearly 200 years, it’s been the official London residence of the reigning monarch, a place where history has unfolded and where the world’s most powerful have gathered.
But in a surprising twist, it seems that when the time comes for Prince William and Princess Kate to ascend the throne, they’ll be breaking with this long-standing tradition—and they’re not shy about it.
Buckingham Palace: A Storied Past, an Uncertain Future
Let’s set the scene: Buckingham Palace isn’t just a house—it’s a national treasure with 775 rooms, its own lake, and even an ATM.
Since 1837, it’s been home to four kings, four queens, 27 princes and princesses, and countless dignitaries. It’s also, amusingly, been the residence of Prince Andrew’s infamous collection of 72 teddy bears.
But despite its grandeur, the palace has become something of a white elephant for the modern royals.
Currently, the palace is in the midst of a massive $776 million, decade-long renovation, with everything from ancient plumbing to leaky roofs being replaced. The work is scheduled to finish in 2027, but here’s the kicker: no one seems to want to move in.
William and Kate have reportedly decided they will not move into Buckingham Palace when William becomes King, breaking nearly 200 years of royal tradition. Image source: Francais a Londres / Unsplash.
Why Don’t the Royals Want to Live There?
You might be thinking, 'Who wouldn’t want to live in a palace?' But the reality is, Buckingham Palace isn’t exactly the cosiest of homes.
Even Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip preferred to escape to Windsor Castle or Sandringham whenever they could, and during the pandemic, they left London altogether, never to return to the palace as their main residence.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have followed suit, choosing to remain at Clarence House, just a stone’s throw from the palace.
Charles has even been quoted as calling Buckingham Palace 'the big house' and reportedly doesn’t see it as a suitable home for modern royal life.
William and Kate: The Next Generation, the Next Big Change
Looking ahead, Prince William and Princess Kate are making it clear that they have no intention of moving into Buckingham Palace either. Their preference for a more 'normal' family life is well documented.
Since their marriage in 2011, they’ve chosen to live at Adelaide Cottage, a relatively modest four-bedroom home on the Windsor Estate. Unlike the palatial surroundings of Buckingham Palace, Adelaide Cottage doesn’t even have live-in staff—a rarity for royals.
The Waleses are often seen doing the school run, attending their children’s concerts and sporting events, and generally trying to give their kids as normal an upbringing as possible (well, as normal as it gets when your dad is the future king).
Just recently, Prince William was spotted poolside at Princess Charlotte’s swimming gala, holding her sports bag 'just like any other dad'.
For a family that values privacy and a sense of normalcy, the idea of living in a palace that’s essentially a tourist attraction—with over 800 staff, 300,000 annual visitors, and countless official events—sounds more like a nightmare than a dream.
A Palace Without a Purpose?
So, what happens to Buckingham Palace if no one wants to live there? It’s a question that’s starting to loom large.
With so many royal residences and a shrinking number of royals to fill them, the palace could become more of a museum than a home.
And with the public unlikely to support the idea of distant cousins moving in just to fill the space, the future of the palace as a royal residence is uncertain.
There’s also a broader shift happening within the royal family. William and Kate’s approach to royal life is more modern, more relatable, and less about opulence.
Just this week, Kate was seen at a hospital in Colchester, wearing trainers and chatting openly about her feelings—something that would have been unthinkable inside the palace walls a generation ago.
What Does This Mean for the Monarchy?
The decision to forgo living in Buckingham Palace is more than just a matter of personal preference—it’s a sign of how the monarchy is evolving. The royal family is increasingly aware of the need to stay relevant and relatable in a changing world. By choosing a more down-to-earth lifestyle, William and Kate are sending a message that the monarchy can adapt and modernise.
Of course, the palace will still play a role in royal life. It will remain the site of official offices, state events, and those famous balcony appearances. But as a family home? It seems its days may be numbered.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, members! Do you think William and Kate are right to break with tradition and skip living in Buckingham Palace? Or do you think the future King and Queen should embrace the grandeur and symbolism of the palace? Have you ever visited Buckingham Palace, or would you like to? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
