The UK Royal Family has released new financial documents revealing that the ongoing refurbishment of Buckingham Palace is set to cost around £370 million, as part of a major overhaul of one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Despite the extensive renovation, King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace. Instead, they will continue living at Clarence House, while the palace will remain the operational centre of the monarchy and serve as its administrative headquarters.
The disclosure comes alongside the King’s voluntary release of personal tax information, marking a rare move toward financial transparency by a reigning British monarch.
The newly published accounts also detail the cost of royal travel for the year ending March 31, 2026. Only trips costing more than £20,000 are individually listed, with Prince William’s three-day visit to Saudi Arabia in February recorded as the most expensive at £130,106, including staff planning costs. A royal train journey to Lancaster in June 2025 cost £48,460.
Smaller travel expenses are also included in the report, showing that the Royal Family spent more than £3.3 million on journeys under £20,000. This includes 177 helicopter trips, 60 charter flights, scheduled air travel, and rail journeys.
The documents form part of an annual financial disclosure aimed at increasing public accountability, while also highlighting the ongoing costs associated with royal duties, travel, and the maintenance of official residences.
