Fodor's Expert Review Clarence House

St. James's Historic Home

The London home of the Queen Mother for nearly 50 years until her death in 2002, Clarence House is one of the residences of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort (though since coming to the throne his official London residence is Buckingham Palace). The Regency mansion was built in 1828 by John Nash for the Duke of Clarence (later to become William IV) who considered next-door St. James's Palace to be too cramped for his liking, although postwar renovation work means that little remains of Nash's original. Since then it has remained a royal home for princesses, dukes, and duchesses, including Queen Elizabeth II, as a newlywed before her coronation.

The rooms have been sensitively preserved to reflect the Queen Mother's taste, with the addition of many works of art from the Royal Collection, including works by Winterhalter, Augustus John, and Sickert. The house is rarely open to visitors, and books out well in advance whenever it does, so check ahead of your... READ MORE

The London home of the Queen Mother for nearly 50 years until her death in 2002, Clarence House is one of the residences of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort (though since coming to the throne his official London residence is Buckingham Palace). The Regency mansion was built in 1828 by John Nash for the Duke of Clarence (later to become William IV) who considered next-door St. James's Palace to be too cramped for his liking, although postwar renovation work means that little remains of Nash's original. Since then it has remained a royal home for princesses, dukes, and duchesses, including Queen Elizabeth II, as a newlywed before her coronation.

The rooms have been sensitively preserved to reflect the Queen Mother's taste, with the addition of many works of art from the Royal Collection, including works by Winterhalter, Augustus John, and Sickert. The house is rarely open to visitors, and books out well in advance whenever it does, so check ahead of your visit. 

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Historic Home

Quick Facts

The Mall
London, Greater London  SW1 1BA, England

030-3123–7300

www.royalcollection.org.uk

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