The Monarch's lavish living quarters at Buckingham Palace are set to be reduced to little more than 'a flat above the shop' when Prince Charles becomes King.
The plan is part of a radical drive to overhaul the vast Royal estate, which will involve the official London residence being thrown open to the public more than ever before.
Other changes being considered under Charles's wide-ranging plans include turning Balmoral into a museum to the Queen and moving the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge into Windsor Castle, The Mail on Sunday understands.
Charles is said not to want the Berkshire residence for himself as its position under the Heathrow flight path makes it 'too noisy'.
The Monarch's living quarters at Buckingham Palace are set to be reduced to little more than 'a flat above the shop' when Prince Charles (pictured with Camilla in Scotland) becomes King
The plan is part of a radical drive to overhaul the vast Royal estate, which will involve the official London residence (pictured) being thrown open to the public more than ever
The Prince of Wales is planning to dramatically slim down the Monarchy once he ascends the throne – and a friend confirmed: 'The property question is on the 'to do' list.'
He has been meeting with courtiers to discuss what happens to the palaces when the direct line of accession is reduced to himself and Camilla, plus the Cambridges.
The source said: 'The central point is: when the Queen is no longer here, how do you effectively spread two generations of the family across quite a large number of properties?
'The Prince of Wales strongly believes that these places have got to deliver something for the public beyond just being somewhere for members of the Royal Family to live. Everything is seen through the lens of the question: 'What value is this offering to the public?'
'Everybody recognises it makes no sense to run so many residences but if you give them up entirely you will never get them back when Prince George and the younger Royals grow up and need somewhere to live.'
Charles faces a daunting diplomatic task to persuade his family over the changes.
Other changes being considered under Charles's wide-ranging plans include moving the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge into Windsor Castle (pictured), The Mail on Sunday understands
Charles is also considering turning Balmoral Castle (pictured), the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family, into a museum to the Queen
The Duke of York is said to be particularly anxious about his home, Park Lodge in Windsor Great Park. However, courtiers say there is no suggestion he will be asked to move.
Prince Edward and Princess Anne are also said to be safe in Bagshot Park at Windsor and Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire respectively.
The Queen yesterday made her first public comments about her late husband, recalling 'the many happy memories' of their time together in Scotland.
The Queen yesterday made her first public comments about her late husband, recalling 'the many happy memories' of their time together in Scotland
At the opening of the Scottish
