King Charles may move into Buckingham Palace after its refurbishment is completed in about four years, it has been claimed tonight.
The monarch will reportedly be moving in "above the shop" once the refurb - estimated to cost £369million - is finished.
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.
The claims emerged despite scepticism from some royal insiders who think the King and Queen Camilla would like their London home to remain at Clarence House, reports the Daily Express.
A source previously said that the monarch is "no fan" of Buckingham Palace - which he describes as "the big house".
An insider told The Sunday Times: "He doesn’t see it as a viable future home or a house that’s fit for purpose in the modern world.
"He feels that its upkeep, both from a cost and environmental perspective, is not sustainable."
Another source also said that Queen Consort Camilla "doesn’t want to live at Buckingham Palace" either.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said back in October: "It is expected that the necessary works will be completed for Their Majesties to take up residence in 2027.
"In the interim period, the Palace will be fully utilised for official business wherever practicable."
But when approached by The Mirror tonight, Buckingham Palace did not comment on the story and did not confirm the claims.
It comes as the King finally granted Prince Edward and his wife Sophie the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, upholding a promise made to them by the late Queen.
The announcement from Buckingham Palace came on Edward's 59th birthday with his new title, previously held by his father the late Prince Philip, set to be with him for his lifetime.
The granting of the Dukedom of Edinburgh to Edward means that Sophie will now by known as the Duchess of Edinburgh - and there is also a change for their son 15-year-old James.
He now becomes Earl of Wessex - the title that his father was granted on his wedding day - however, there is no change Lady Louise Windsor, Edward and Sophie's daughter, whose title will remain the same.
The announcement comes just days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed their children would also be taking new titles, becoming Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
A statement from Buckingham Palace today said: "His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday. The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness’s lifetime.
"The Dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.
"The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential."
