NEED TO KNOW
King Charles and Queen Camilla own royal real estate all over the United Kingdom
Some of these properties were purchased, while others were inherited when he became king
The royal couple spends much of their time at Clarence House in London
As the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles gets to enjoy royal residences across the Commonwealth.
With royalty comes real estate, and King Charles is no stranger to an impressive portfolio of properties all over England, Scotland and Wales. Both inherited and purchased, Charles and Queen Camilla have several estates to call their own, a number that only grew when he took the throne after Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022.
Here’s everything to know about King Charles’ royal real estate across the U.K.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty
Following his accession to the throne, King Charles inherited Buckingham Palace, the most famous royal residence in the United Kingdom.
The 775-room palace has served as the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the U.K. royals since 1837. It’s also where the sovereign holds weekly meetings with the prime minister, according to the royals’ official website.
Clarence House
Clarence House
Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library/getty
Clarence House is located beside St. James’ Palace in London and has been Charles’ official residence since he was the Prince of Wales.
Construction of the property was completed in 1827 and the house underwent major renovations from 2002 to 2003. It doubles as an office space for the Prince of Wales’ household, and its primary rooms are used “for receptions and other official entertaining and to receive official visitors to the UK,” according to the official website.
The house is open to visitors every year during the month of August.
Highgrove House
Highgrove House
Credit: Neil Bennett/Mirrorpix/Getty
Two and a half hours outside of London is the King and Queen’s “family home” in Gloucestershire, England, known as Highgrove House.
King Charles’ former official website explained that he “chose to live in Gloucestershire because of its easy access to London, Wales and other parts of Britain.” The property was purchased in 1980 and is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.
Featuring a colorful garden and lush surrounding farmland, the estate also includes the impressive Orchard Room built out of Cotswold stone in support of the local architecture. King Charles would often hold briefings and receptions at Highgrove House.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle
Credit: Robert Plattner/Oneworld Picture/Universal Images Group via Getty
Balmoral Castle, which serves as a vacation home in the Scottish Highlands for the royal family, was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite residences.
The sprawling property now belongs to King Charles, who stays there with Queen Camilla each summer, and they are often joined by other members of the royal family.
This estate is also where Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned in 1981. In 2024, Charles opened Balmoral up for public tours for the first time in the estate’s history.
Birkhall
Birkhall
Credit: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty
Though Balmoral Castle now belongs to Charles, before he became King, one of the private residences on the property, Birkhall, belonged to him.
The royal couple have enjoyed spending their summers at the residence and getting involved in the local community. Some of their favorite activities while there include “fishing and walking in the Scottish countryside.”
Llwynywermod
Llwynywermod
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
Llwynywermod is the King’s Welsh property located in proximity to the village of Myddfai, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire. The residence is used whenever the royal couple travel to Wales and during their annual summer tour.
After the property was purchased in 2006, renovations were done to include locally sourced textiles and materials from within Wales. The compound includes three cottages and a barn in addition to the main house, according to House & Garden. The surrounding farmland is also home to many sheep.
Dumfries House
Dumfries House
Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty
Located in Ayrshire, Scotland, is Dumfries House, which the King purchased in 2007 in an effort to restore and improve the historic property after it was put up for sale.
In reference to the King’s renovations. the estate’s website notes, “the transformation of Dumfries House has brought many employment opportunities to the local area, which was greatly affected by the demise of the coal mining industry, and stands as a prime example of heritage-led regeneration.”
Although the property belongs to the King, it is mainly a tourist attraction where visitors can tour the grounds and even stay overnight at the Dumfries House Lodge.
The Castle of Mey
The Castle of Mey
Credit: Robert Plattner/getty
Nestled on the northern coast of Scotland in Caithness lies the Castle of Mey, a property that King Charles inherited from his grandmother, the Queen Mother, after her death in 2002.
King Charles serves as President of the castle and “visits at least once each year, renting the castle for a few days each August,” states the official website.
The historic estate also features a 10-bedroom bed and breakfast, known as the Granary Lodge, where visitors can even catch a glimpse of the northern lights when conditions are right.
Sandringham House
Sandringham Hall
Credit: David Goddard/Getty
Sandringham House is best known as the residence where the royal family spends Christmas each year, a tradition that was started by Queen Elizabeth in 1988.
Located in Norfolk, the estate is called “the most comfortable house in England,” according to its official website.
In July 2025, King Charles hosted President Maia Sandu of Moldova and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India during their visit to the U.K. at Sandringham House.
Read the original article on People