Text by Francesca Wallace, Vogue Living
If you’ve ever wondered how royals really live, then wonder no more. The ever generous Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, have kindly opened their British palace to members of the public (read, commoners) in honour of the Prince’s 70th birthday.
Teaming up with Google, the heir apparent has shared a glimpse inside Clarence House, his official London residence, through a series of virtual online tours. Featuring everything from the couple’s library to their dining room, the tour looks inside a number of royally decked out rooms, allowing us that aren’t Meghan Markle or Kate Middleton to take a peek inside one of England’s most famous homes.
Prince Charles has lived in the home since 2003, when he took over from the late Queen Mother who occupied the house for a huge 50 years. Upon moving in, Charles re-planted the gardens in honour of his grandmother. Grand and expertly cultivated, the gardens are a favourite for the Prince, who famously loves all things nature — and is a big advocate of climate change. So big, in fact, that he requested Aston Martin to engineer his car to run off white wine rather than traditional gasoline. Talk about committed to the cause!
The Prince also made a host of structural interior changes to the house, including the removal of the entrance way. “The original front door and entrance hall have been replaced by The Library (between The Morning Room and The Dining Room) and there was a conservatory where The Entrance Hall now stands," senior curator of decorative arts for Royal Collection Trust, Kathryn Jones says.
Inside, the home has been curated to reflect both Charles and Camilla’s personalities. With a focus on the garden, and also honouring the royal family — the Queen Mother’s paintings are displayed in the Morning Room — the spaces inside are a nod to its occupants.
The Dining Room
Heritage artefacts, including some from medieval times, dot the home, with royal crockery, artworks and furniture scattered throughout the space. As Prince Charles’s official royal residence, the house is also used for dignitary visits, and has hosted everyone from kings and queens to heads of state. Ushered first in to the Lancaster Room, visitors then usually head to the Library where they are offered tea with Prince Charles and the Duchess.
The Garden Room
As one of the grandest and oldest residences, the virtual tour is certainly special, especially for those of us who aren’t heading to London any time soon. See the rest of Clarence House below and find the entire tour at Google Arts & Culture.
Images: Google Arts & Culture
