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 | | Monday, 1 April, 2002, 09:46 GMT 10:46 UK Charles 'may move to Clarence House'  Charles at Clarence House for his grandmother's 100th Clarence House, the Queen Mother's London residence, could be taken over by her favourite grandson Prince Charles. The heir to the throne and his sons, Princes William and Harry, currently live next door in St James's Palace. No official decision has yet been made on the move, but it is considered appropriate for the princes to take over the 19th century building. It would need refurbishing and modernising to meet Charles's needs, but offers more space than the apartment the princes currently share. Bomb damage Clarence House was built by John Nash between 1825-8 for William, Duke of Clarence, later William IV. It has since been altered and enlarged twice and needed extensive restoration work following bomb damage during the Second World War. In 1942 the building became headquarters for the Red Cross and St John Ambulance Brigade.
Three of its original storeys remain, along with several mantelpieces and ceilings from the early 19th century. The grand design of Clarence House has made it a favourite home for successive generations of senior royals. Following its post-war renovation Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh lived in the house until her accession as Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. A year later the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret moved in. Memories Margaret left the house when she married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The years that followed saw the Queen Mother move many pieces from her private art collection into Clarence House.
It contains many other memories of her long life and was among the four homes used by her. In Scotland she was a frequent visitor to Birkhall, on the Balmoral Estate, and also the Castle of Mey in Caithness. She died at her Windsor residence, the Royal Lodge, on Saturday. | |
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