The Royal Residence: A Tale of Two Homes
The British monarchy is synonymous with grandeur and opulence, but within its ranks, there's a fascinating contrast between two very different homes. Buckingham Palace, the iconic and sprawling residence associated with the British monarch for decades, stands in stark contrast to Clarence House, a more modest and unassuming London home that has been a cherished residence for several royals.
The Unassuming Clarence House
Clarence House, a three-storey mansion built in 1825, has been described as "plain" in comparison to the lavish Buckingham Palace. When Queen Elizabeth moved in shortly after her wedding in 1947, she reportedly struggled to decorate the interiors, which were indeed remarkably modest. The Royal Collection Trust explains that the interior of Clarence House was "plain" compared to the ornate designs of John Nash for Buckingham Palace, with only the reception rooms on the first floor featuring ornamental plasterwork and crimson damask.
Despite its unassuming nature, Clarence House has been a cherished home for several royals. When it became home to then-Princess Elizabeth, it underwent some upgrades, including improvements to the electric wiring, heating, and hot water systems, as well as a "fresh new appearance" for the Victorian interiors. However, much of the furnishings were dictated by wedding presents, with the 20-seat dining table and chairs gifted by the Royal Warrant Holders Association and the four side tables presented by Queen Mary.
A Royal Transformation
The Queen Mother, who moved in with her daughter Princess Margaret before the Coronation, also left her mark on the property. She installed a Georgian marble chimneypiece and a plaster ceiling with her own crown in the Morning Room, and decorated the interiors with works of art by John Piper and Augustus John, as well as pieces from Fabergé.
King Charles, who has lived in Clarence House since 2003, has maintained much of the same furnishings and artwork, preserving the familiar atmosphere of a much-loved family house. He reportedly kept the arrangement of the rooms and the grouping of their contents recognizably as they were during the time of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
A Passion for Gardening
Interestingly, King Charles' passions lie outside the home. The royal family has a vegetable garden at Clarence House and a Kitchen Garden at the Highgrove Estate, which allows them to grow their own produce. Queen Camilla, in particular, has a love for the vegetable garden, especially during the summer, and is proud of her white peaches. She and Charles are quite competitive about their fruit and vegetables, adding a touch of lighthearted rivalry to their royal lives.
In conclusion, Clarence House, with its plain interiors and modest beginnings, has become a cherished home for several royals, offering a more intimate and personal residence compared to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. It is a testament to the diverse tastes and interests of the British monarchy, where even the unassuming can hold a special place in the hearts of those who inhabit it.
