Reports in the Sunday press interpret the idea as an attempt by Charles to gain more independence from the established court in Buckingham Palace.

The Palace said there were no definite plans for Charles's living arrangements after his succession.

The castle took years to rebuild after the fire

But moving from Buckingham Palace to Windsor was an option, a spokesman said.

Prince Charles is known to favour Windsor - as does the Queen, who spends many weekends there.

He was closely involved with the castle's restoration following the devastating 1992 fire and the work is thought to have strengthened his ties.

Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live in Buckingham Palace, just three weeks after taking the throne in 1837.

Windsor Castle has been a royal home for more than 800 years.

Royal favourite

The original castle was built by William the Conqueror in about 1070 as one of a series of strongholds around London.

Henry I was the first monarch to make it a royal household, in 1121.

Since then, the only monarch not to have spent any time in the castle during their reign was Edward VIII, who abdicated in 1936.

The Queen often uses the castle for formal duties, such as entertaining foreign heads of state.

She also takes official residence there for a month over Easter, and for a week in June when she attends the service of the Garter and Royal Ascot.