The British Royal Family involves a lot of working cogs. Hundreds of staff, duties all around the world, and most interestingly, an impressive property resume that goes back hundreds of years.
Across the UK, the royal family has a diverse collection of castles, homes, acres of land and properties for different members of the family.
But how many are there exactly, which ones are lived in and which is the most expensive? That’s what we’re here to answer, delving into the weird and wonderful world of British monarchy and their properties.
How many royal properties are there?
Currently, there are 7 official residences of the royal family. These are properties that are used within the duties of the crown. For example, Buckingham Palace, the main property for royal business within the UK.
Then, there are around 15 to 16 privately owned properties by members of the royal family. These are not used as part of the crown’s duties, but instead are used purely for royals to live in.
Official royal residences
Buckingham Palace
This is the property that will be most familiar when we talk about the royal family. Buckingham Palace is a striking building in the centre of London. It is also the official residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch in the United Kingdom.
This is the property that the King often invites state leaders to and is used to host key events for royal hospitality. Over 50,000 people visit the palace each year as guests for state banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions, and garden parties.
The palace is also a source of tourism, opening its doors in the summer for visitors to come and have a look around.
Historically, this has played a key role in family events in the royal family. Many royal births occurred here, and it is used to announce the deaths of members of the family.
It also houses the offices of a number of key members of staff. That includes the Private Secretary’s Office and the Privy Purse and Treasurer’s office.
Clarence House
While some kings and queens have resided within Buckingham Palace in the past, it is no longer the main residence of the king. Instead, King Charles and Queen Camilla live in Clarence House.
This is a short walk from Buckingham Palace and acts mainly as their core residence. It isn’t used for business with the king reserving any official business for within Buckingham Palace instead.
The house has been used by different members of the royal family since 1827, including by Princess Margaret, Princes William and Harry and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).
Kensington Palace
Another central London property, Kensington Palace is a grand estate with a rich history. Currently, it serves as the official London residence of several royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Glouester, the Duke of Kent and more.
Like Buckingham Palace, parts of the palace are open to the public, but the offices and private living quarters remain blocked off.
Famously, this was the birthplace of Queen Victoria. She was held there under the “Kensington System”. This was a brutal system where she was surveyed at all times in the house until she was 18.
She wasn’t allowed to play with other children, was never left alone and wasn’t allowed to see extended family unless her mother was there. It was believed that this would craft her into a great leader. Instead it built up resentment to her family.
Kensington Palace was also the home of Princess Diana for a while, including during her marriage and even divorce.
St James’s Palace
Another central London property, St James’s Palace is one of the oldest royal palaces in London, built originally by Henry VIII. This was considered the monarch’s main London residence for more than 300 years, from its construction until Queen Victoria moved to Buckingham Palace in 1837.
Now, it remains a working royal palace, with several royal offices and residences. Foreign ambassadors are formally accredited to the Court of St James’s. This is why the monarch’s diplomatic court is still known by this name.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle holds a big claim to fame as the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. It has been continuously inhabited for over 900 years. Originally founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home to 40 monarchs.
No royals live there now but it remains an important property, with 150 staff and officials living and working there. It is used frequently for ceremonial occasions and state events.
It is rare for castles, especially ones as old as this, to be continuously used for work and living. Most castles around the world that are still in use are now museums.
Holyrood Palace
At this point we are finally moving out of London. Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland.
The palace can be found at one end of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. On the other end of this mile-long road is Edinburgh Castle, hence the name. While it is now heavily commercialised with shops and pubs, it once served as the road for Scottish kings and queens to travel between the palace and castle.
This has been the Scottish residence of the royals since the 16th century. It is used frequently for state occasions and official entertaining.
At the beginning of each summer, King Charles spends one week in residence here, carrying out a range of official engagements and ceremonies.
Hillsborough Castle
Where Holyrood Palace is the official residence in Scotland, Hillsborough Castle is the same for Northern Ireland. It serves as the constant address for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland too.
Unlike all of the other official palaces and castles in this list, Hillsborough Castle is much more remote. It is located in the village of Royal Hillsborough in the north-west of County Down.
It is also not technically a castle, but instead a Georgian country house. Of the buildings mentioned, this is the one most option to the public with a large amount of access available.
