Clarence House facts for kids
Clarence House is a royal residence in London, situated on The Mall, in the City of Westminster. It is attached to St. James's Palace and shares the palace's garden. For nearly 50 years it was home to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. It has since been the official residence of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The Queen Mother lived at Clarence House from 1953 (the year after the death of her husband (King George VI)) until 2002, when she died.
Clarence House also served as the official residence for Prince William from 2003, until his marriage in April 2011, and for Prince Harry from 2003 until 2012. It is open to visitors for approximately one month each summer, usually August, and is one of many royal buildings in London.
Clarence House is Grade I listed on the National Heritage List for England.
History
The house was built between 1825 to 1827. It was commissioned by the Duke of Clarence, who in 1830 became King William IV of Great Britain and Ireland. He lived there in preference to the nearby St James's Palace, which he found too cramped.
The house has four stories, not including attics or basements, and is faced in pale stucco. It has undergone extensive remodeling and reconstruction over the years, most notably after the Second World War.
The Prince of Wales moved there in 2003, after the house underwent massive refurbishment following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The house was completely rewired, most of the major rooms were redecorated, and the building was given an external face-lift.
With a reception at Clarence House, Prince Charles welcomed representatives of all 14 nations for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup as well as tournament organizers.
See also
In Spanish: Clarence House para niños
