What properties the British royal family owns: 7 stunning castles, palaces and parks, from Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to Hyde Park and the Tower of London, that belong to King Charles

Dec 9 , 2023

Buckingham Palace in London is one of the most recognisable properties owned by the British royal family. Photo: Ronan O’Connell

King Charles inherited a number of properties from Queen Elizabeth after her death, such as Castle of Mey in Scotland, which he and Camilla, Queen Consort enjoy using as a holiday home

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, while Prince William and Kate Middleton’s son Prince Louis was christened at St James’ Palace in Westminster

Designer handbags, fancy cars and fine dining are a few ways to show off your wealth, but for King Charles and the rest of the British royal family, land reigns supreme. The family owns a number of properties that generate income for the monarchy, with the crown holding an estimated US$28 billion in assets, per Forbes.

King Charles (front) and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace in 2023. Photo: PA Wire

After the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, Charles inherited a number of homes, adding to the portfolio he already possessed as an heir-in-waiting. Charles and his queen consort, Camilla, now have more than a dozen inherited residences from which to choose from for a long stay or short visit.

According to The New York Times, the ownership of the properties is complex, with some belonging to the Sovereign Grant and others belonging directly to certain members of the royal family. Included in the vast property estate are pieces of land, offices, cricket grounds and farmlands, with the recently anointed king being exempt from most taxes in the United Kingdom.

Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens, London. Photo: Ronan O’Connell

The royal family’s property has always been a much-debated topic in the United Kingdom. The Guardian reported in November that Charles was “secretly profiting off the assets of dead UK citizens”. According to the report, the king earns profits off of estate holdings known as Duchy of Lancaster. The financial assets owned by those who died without a will or known family, called bona vacantia, are collected by the duchy, which claims to donate the funds to charity. However, according to internal duchy documents obtained by The Guardian, only a small portion of the money actually goes to charity, with much of it instead being used to renovate the king’s properties.

But what are some of the more well-known properties linked to the royals?

1. Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle in Scotland is worth around US$140 million. Photo: @balmoral_castle/Instagram

Forbes magazine lists the top two most recognisable properties owned by The Firm: Buckingham Palace (US$4.9 billion) and Kensington Palace (US$630 million), both in London. But there are so many more.

What would a royal family be without its castles? The British royal family is renowned for its prestigious castles. According to CBS News, one of its most valued possessions outside England is Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It has been in the family since the 1800s and is worth US$140 million. The property is steeped in history, including that the foundation stone for Balmoral Castle was laid by Queen Victoria on September 28, 1853.

2. Windsor Castle

The late Queen Elizabeth and Britain’s then Prince Charles in the garden of Frogmore House in Windsor, England. Photo: AFP

Another notable castle is Windsor Castle, located in the county of Berkshire, and is estimated to be valued at US$574 million. The castle is best known for St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially tied the knot. Spanning a hefty 5.3 hectares and situated on the River Thames, it is best known for two quadrilateral-shaped buildings and its distinct Round Tower. Windsor Castle has been in the royal family for 900 years, and is used as a private home and for official royal matters.