Queen Camilla Tests King Charles’ Patience Over Buckingham Palace Library Request Amid $499 Million Renovation
Oct. 5, 2025, Published 2:30 p.m. ET
Queen Camilla is reportedly testing King Charles’ patience with her determined push to add a library to Buckingham Palace as part of the ongoing $499 million renovation. Insiders have told RadarOnline.com that her request is “irritating him beyond belief.”
The 78-year-old Queen has long been a champion of literacy and is said to be insistent that the complete overhaul of the iconic royal residence—due for completion in 2027—includes the creation of a formal library.
Buckingham Palace, which contains 775 rooms, has lacked a library since King George IV donated the King’s Library to the British Museum in the early 19th century.
A Clash of Priorities
Camilla reportedly views the absence of a library as “unthinkable.” However, King Charles, 76, is said to be frustrated by her involvement in palace infrastructure decisions, especially after previously pledging to keep her distance from such matters.
A palace insider shared: “Books and reading have always been central to Camilla’s life, and she thinks it’s ridiculous that the monarch’s residence doesn’t include a library. She’s made it clear to Charles that this is her single, most important request. But he finds it frustrating. The size and expense of the renovation are already weighing heavily on him, and her demand for an additional room drives him to distraction.”
Tradition Versus Legacy
Another source explained: “Charles admires her dedication to promoting literacy, but he resents having palace plans challenged. He feels she’s going against her own principle of staying out of structural decisions. It’s turned into a source of friction between them. For Charles, the issue is one of tradition and practicality; for Camilla, it’s about creating a cultural legacy.”
The extensive refurbishment of Buckingham Palace—which is expected to take more than a decade in total—is costing taxpayers nearly $500 million. While the project includes upgrades to heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, Camilla remains firm in her push for the inclusion of a new library space.
Camilla’s Vision for Buckingham Palace
A courtier noted: “The Queen feels the monarchy has a duty to promote learning, and she wants a permanent library at Buckingham Palace to embody that belief. She considers it one of the most worthwhile features of the entire renovation. Charles, on the other hand, feels the project is already expensive and disruptive without further additions.”
Camilla’s push comes as other members of the royal family chart their own paths. Prince William and Princess Kate, both 43, are reportedly preparing to move into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom property in Windsor Great Park, which they intend to make their “forever home.”
Determined to Leave Her Mark
Their decision to live outside a palace or castle, even after William becomes king, would break centuries of tradition. One source said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales are clearly very happy in Windsor. Their children are well settled at Lambrook School close by, and the family will remain near Windsor Castle for royal duties and events.”
Despite King Charles’ exasperation, palace insiders emphasize Camilla’s unwavering determination. Another insider confirmed: “She views this as her way of shaping the future of Buckingham Palace. Charles might be exasperated, but she has made it clear she won’t back down.”
https://radaronline.com/p/queen-camilla-irritated-king-charles-buckingham-palace-request/
