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Which properties does the King own and what is the Royal Family’s portfolio worth?

THE ROYALS wealth mostly comes from their vast land and property portfolio, with the monarch being one of Britain's largest landowners.

Here's everything you need to know about all the private castles and stately homes the Royal Family own.

What properties does King Charles own?

Some of the property in the control of the Royal Family is owned by the Crown Estate, and others they privately own.

Now that King Charles III has succeeded the former monarch, his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, he possesses the large portfolio of historic castles, stately homes and palaces across the country.

Before his Accession to the throne, King Charles lived with his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles at Clarence House on The Mall in central London.
The King is expected to move into Buckingham Palace, a short stroll from his former home, this could mean his son William, the new Prince of Wales, could take his place there.

Most high-ranking royals lease at least one property from the Crown Estate, but Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales and Princess Anne all have private residences.

As the head of the Firm, the King has the largest amount of land and properties.

Buckingham Palace

 The King owns Buckingham Palace which dates back centuries
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The King owns Buckingham Palace which dates back centuriesCredit: Getty - Contributor

Buckingham Palace is one of London's most historic cultural landmarks, dating back to 1837.

The public are able to visit at some points of the year to tour some of the palace's 775 rooms.

This castle is used regularly for official royal business and events.

Windsor Castle

 Another of the main royal residencies is Windsor Castle
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Another of the main royal residencies is Windsor Castle

Not far from Buckingham Palace is the largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle.

It has a massive 1,0o0 rooms and is also open to tours.

Windsor Castle was often the regular weekend home of The Queen before her passing.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

 The official name for this castle is The Palace at Holyroodhouse
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The official name for this castle is The Palace at Holyroodhouse

Standing at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the gorgeous Scottish palace was originally build as a monastery in 1128.

When the late Queen would visit in the first week of summer,  it was an event known as 'Holyrood Week'.

Hillsborough Castle

 Located in Northern Ireland
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Located in Northern Ireland

Standing since 1775, Hilsborough Castle is located in Belfast.

Similarly to Holyrood, Hillsborough is often used for official visits to Northern Ireland.

Sandringham House

 A private residence where the family's yearly Christmas Walk takes place
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A private residence where the family's yearly Christmas Walk takes place
Built in the 1870s, four generations of British monarchs have used Sandringham House as a royal residence over more than 150 years.
It's often where loving crowds gather to greet the Royal Family on Christmas morning as they leave St Mary Magdalene Church and where the family's yearly Christmas Walk takes place.

 

Balmoral Castle

 Balmoral is where the late Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at the age of 96
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Balmoral is where the late Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at the age of 96

Located in Scotland, Balmoral estate was purchased in 1852.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle  on September 8 - it was long rumoured to be the favourite of all the royal residences.

What is the Royal Family's portfolio worth?

It is extremely difficult to estimate the worth of the Royal Family's property portfolio but The Crown Estate is thought to be around £17billion,

Now that King Charles wears the crown, he also has a private property portfolio, known as the Duchy of Lancaster.

This was established for the reigning monarch in 1399, as a way to provide independent income to the Sovereign.

It's one of two royal duchies.

The other is the Duchy of Cornwall, which Prince William inherits from his father.

What is the Crown Estate?

According to its website, The Crown Estate is a collection of lands and holdings belonging to the reigning monarch "in right of The Crown".

So the properties are owned by the monarch for the duration of their reign, by virtue of their accession to the throne.

But it's not their private property.

They can't sell it and the revenue it creates doesn't belong to them.

However, since the Sovereign Grant Act of 2011, the monarch has received 25 per cent of revenue to fund the royals’ official household and duties.

The Estate is managed by an independent organisation - established by statute - and is headed up by a board known as The Crown Estate Commissioners.

Surplus revenue is paid to the Treasury each year, for the benefit of the nation's finances.

 

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