Does the Current Monarch Stay at the Tower of London Before the Coronation?
When one delves into the historical traditions related to the British monarchy, one might wonder about the modern customs concerning the coronation of a new king. A significant aspect of this intriguing question is the historical practice of monarchs staying at the Tower of London before being crowned. However, in the contemporary era, this practice has changed.
Modern Royal Residence Practices
Before his ascension to the throne, King Charles III did not reside at the Tower of London. Upon becoming King, Charles and his family moved into Clarence House, a residence located in London which was previously home to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Currently, River House serves as the official residence for the Queen and King before important events such as state visits or public engagements.
While the ongoing refurbishment of Buckingham Palace means that the King and Queen currently reside in Clarence House, it is expected that they will move to Buckingham Palace once the renovations are complete, estimated to be in 2027. The King commutes between Clarence House and Buckingham Palace for work and public duties.
A Historical Tradition
It is worth noting that in medieval times, it was a tradition for monarchs to stay at the royal apartments in the Tower of London complex. The last monarch to stay there on the eve of his coronation was Charles II in 1661. However, with the evolution of the monarchy and the modernization of royal residences, this practice has been discontinued.
Current Royal Residences
Today, the primary royal residences are:
Windsor Castle Kensington Palace Sandringham House Balmoral Highgrove House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire Buckingham Palace (currently under refurbishment)For his coronation, King Charles III stayed in Buckingham Palace. He and Queen Camilla were crowned at Westminster Abbey in May 2022, marking a significant moment in British history.
Conclusion
While the Tower of London remains a critical part of British heritage and a major tourist attraction, it is not currently a residential space for the royal family. The modern residence of King Charles III and the royal family has shifted to Clarence House and eventually to Buckingham Palace. This change reflects the changing dynamics of the monarchy in the 21st century.