BBC Breakfast hosts opened the live show with a Royal update.
During Friday’s (June 26) episode of the hit show, Charlie Stayt and Sarah Campbell returned to our TV screens as they presented the day’s top stories from the UK and beyond.
Just moments into the show, the hosts announced the King and Queen have no plans to return to Buckingham Palace despite having a refurbishment, which cost millions.
Opening the show, Sarah started off by saying: “Good Morning it is Friday 26th June. Our main story, it has been revealed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will not live at Buckingham Palace following a £369m refurbishment.”
Charlie continued: “The latest from Royal accounts also show the King has spent £12.9m in tax in the last finance year ending in April 2025 becoming the first monarch to disclose his tax bill.”
View 3 ImagesKing Charles and Queen Camilla will not live at Buckingham Palace following a £369m refurbishment(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
The show then cut to a piece from BBC correspondent Tom Symonds, who explained that the palace, which has served as the official London residence of the UK sovereign since 1837, will continue to be the administrative headquarters of the monarchy, but the King has decided nearby Clarence House will remain his official home.
The decision has been taken to allow greater public access to the landmark, officials said.
A 10-year refurbishment of Buckingham Palace – funded through a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant which pays for the official duties of the royals – is due to be completed in March.
James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, said: “I can update you that after careful consideration, and to greatly increase opportunities for public access.
View 3 ImagesSarah and Charlie presented Friday’s (June 26) show together (Image: BBC)
“The King and Queen have decided not to adopt Buckingham Palace as a personal residence and will instead continue to use Clarence House as their London home.”
However, the king and queen will still use private rooms within the Palace – which has been a London residence of the British monarch since 1837 – during the working day.
James added: “Their Majesties will, however, have access to private rooms within the Palace where they can retire during the course of a working day, and which could be utilised as potential residential accommodation in times ahead.
“This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future.
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“Let me be clear, however, in all other ways the Palace will continue to be both the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life.”
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer
