Since becoming king Charles has inherited many things, not least his late mother's power and influence. But one of the most talked about has been the huge portfolio of royal properties that comes in line with the crown.
Indeed, there's been much speculation of late regarding where the new monarch might live since his accession to the throne, along with the other members of his family. What is more, these addresses - which are located all around the UK - range from palatial grandeur to country cottage cosiness.
And while some have been lived in and loved, other residences have barely had their hearths lit in years. So what do we know about who might end up where?
READ MORE: The Welsh village which now has a King as one of its residents
Buckingham Palace
Located in the heart of London, Buckingham Palace has been the monarch's official residence in the capital city since 1837. However, it's currently in the midst of a 10-year upgrade project which aims not only to revamp the plumbing and wiring, but also reduce its carbon footprint.
So while King Charles III and his Queen Consort Camilla have private quarters amongst its 775 rooms, it could be that the new monarch will prefer to stay on at the smaller Clarence House, just a short walk away. In doing so he could follow the precedent set by King William IV in the 19th century when he refused to move into the then newly-refurbished Buck House as he considered it too grand.
Balmoral Castle
The beloved and official Scottish home of Queen Elizabeth II during her long life, Balmoral is also the place where she passed away earlier this month. Sitting in 50,000 acres, it was originally purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852, since which time it's remained largely unchanged.
Like his mother, Charles also holds a deep love for the place, along with Scotland in general. Until now though the new King and his consort have had the use of the nearby historic Birkhall, a 1715 property located close by and in which they resided during the pandemic.
Sandringham House
A much-loved country retreat of the monarch, there have been whispers about this Jacobean pile being given to Prince William. The new Prince and Princess of Wales already have a house on the estate called Anmer Hall, hence the speculation.
The luxurious Norfolk address has belonged to British royalty since 1862. Inherited from her father, George VI, the late Queen Elizabeth would famously head to Sandringham at Christmas time, although it's unknown whether Charles will continue this tradition.
Windsor Castle
The Queen spent a lot of time at Windsor, which dates back to the days of William the Conqueror. She would reside there each spring and during Royal Ascot in June - during Covid it also served as her main base.
And King Charles, who spent a large part of his childhood at the castle, is expected to remain true to these precedents. Meanwhile, his sons Harry and William have residences within its grounds - Adelaide Cottage in the case of the latter and his family.
Clarence House
Located next to St James's Palace, this was the London home of the Queen Mother until her death in 2002. Ever since then it's been lived in by Charles.
In fact, since being built in the 1820s Clarence House has been the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. That said, with those titles now bestowed on the former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it remains to be seen who'll end up with the keys.
Although, if Charles does decide to stay there and not Buckingham Palace, it's possible the latter address may be opened up to the public all year round. It's currently a tourist destination only during the summer months.
St James's Palace
Originally built by Henry VIII, this is the oldest surviving London palace still in use. However, the last sovereign to live here was William IV until his death in 1837.
Situated between Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Westminster, this 16th century building has played host to some important events and famous faces over the centuries. It's now where some members of the royal family house their staff and offices, as well as providing a place for numerous functions and bashes.
Princess Beatrice has reportedly been staying in St James’s Palace with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi since welcoming their first child in September 2021.
Kensington Palace
Royalty have lived at this Jacobean mansion since the late 17th century and the days of King William III and his wife Queen Mary II. Once extended and improved by none other than Sir Christopher Wren - the famed architect of St Paul's Cathedral - it's a maze of apartments of varying sizes.
And one of these has, since 2013, been home to William and Kate - the newly titled Prince and Princess of Wales - and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Charles also lived at Kensington Palace with Princess Diana at the start of their marriage
Llwynywermod
Set in a 192-acre estate just outside the Brecon Beacons National Park, this white-washed cottage was bought for around £1.2m by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2006.
A modest three-bed property in the small, sleepy village of Myddfai in Carmarthenshire, Charles and Camilla stay there during their visits to Wales. It’s a wonderful spot to call home, with green hills and forestry every way you turn. You can read more about the Welsh village which now has a King as one of its residents here.
Frogmore Cottage
Grade II-listed and found within the grounds of Windsor Castle, this was the home of Queen Victoria's mother for decades.
Constructed between 1680 and 1684, today it's said to be owned by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple hit the headlines after it was discovered they'd used £2.4m of taxpayer money to renovate the place.
The amount was paid back in full in early 2020 upon the pair moving to California. The property has since been frequented by Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank.
Highgrove House
Owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, this is King Charles' country home, and it's likely this is how it will stay. Purchased by the king in 1980, he's said to be very fond of the gardens there - many of which he has helped cultivate over the last four decades.
Charles previously spent weekends there with his first wife, Princess Diana, and their children, Princes William and Harry.
Highgrove is closed to the public. However, its extensive gardens are open to visitors.
Holyrood House
This was the Queen's official Scottish residence and is where she traditionally spent the first week of the summer, known as 'Holyrood Week.' That said, it's more an 'events place' where official engagements take place, with Balmoral considered the more homely of the two.
Founded as a monastery in 1128, it includes a throne room, a gallery and impressive sprawling gardens.
Hillsborough Castle
The Queen would stay at Hillsborough Castle whenever she visited Northern Ireland. It's also the official residence of Northern Ireland's Secretary of State.
Purchased in 1922 by the government from the Marquess of Downshire, it was temporarily renamed 'Government House'. It has over 100 acres of land surrounding it and was used in January 2010 for talks between former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
The castle is partially open to the public.
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