Buckingham Palace, the iconic royal residence, is full of intriguing secrets, from concealed doors in the White Drawing Room leading to the state apartments to underground tunnels offering discreet exit routes.
But there’s another fascinating feature tucked away in the palace’s back garden: a hidden helicopter landing spot.
Beneath the lush grass of the garden lies a special helicopter mat, designed to allow the royal family’s private helicopter to land with ease. While most helipads are constructed from concrete to provide a stable landing surface, the royal family opted for this clever, discreet solution to maintain the garden’s aesthetic beauty.
Helicopters are often used by the royals for travel, offering privacy and accessibility. King Charles, in particular, has a fleet of helicopters based at RAF Odiham, with royal family members making 170 flights between 2023 and 2024.
Where Does King Charles Live?
Although Buckingham Palace boasts these incredible hidden features, it is not currently King Charles’ primary residence. The monarch and Queen Camilla reside at Clarence House in London, where they plan to stay for the next couple of years.
King Charles’ eventual move to Buckingham Palace has been delayed due to ongoing renovation work on their private apartments in the North Wing.
These renovations, part of a decade-long project that began during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, are set to be completed by the end of the refurbishment, allowing the royal couple to move in once the work is finished.
