Top 9 royal residences ranked - and Buckingham Palace isn't number 1

Royal residences such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are owned by King Charles because of his position as reigning monarch, while other royal properties, like Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House, are personally owned and not publicly funded.

The King has three official residences: Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. These magnificent buildings are not only homes of the Royal Family but also where the King undertakes official work as Head of State.

The UK is home to a fascinating array of residences for the family, each with its own unique history, architecture, and significance to the monarchy. Some are official homes used for state functions, while others are private retreats beloved by generations of royals.

Here are the top 9 royal residences ranked..

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who moved in with her daughter, Princess Margaret shortly before the Coronation in 1953. She lived there until her passing in 2002, at the age of 101.

Since Charles inherited the house, he has preserved its style and character, as well as introducing organic gardening methods and planting a new garden in memory of the Queen Mother. Clarence House has been the urban home of King Charles and Queen Camilla for more than two decades.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images" data-licensor-name="Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images" /> Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The estate covers 51 acres of private grounds, with beautifully landscaped gardens, stables, and woodlands. The mansion originally had over 120 rooms, though it has since been modified to suit modern royal living. The estate remains privately leased from the Crown Estate, with ongoing speculation about its future once the lease expires.

The original house was built in the 1600s, but it was demolished around 1875. Queen Victoria's third son, Prince Arthur, once lived on the property, and the original Bagshot Lodge was used as a base for hunting trips.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="David Goddard Getty Images" data-licensor-name="David Goddard Getty Images" /> spent much of her Christmas there.

Sandringham House was a country residence for King Edward VII in 1862. Queen Elizabeth inherited it from her father in 1952, and Prince Philip took responsibility for its management. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images" data-licensor-name="Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images" /> Its historic State Apartments are open to visitors and Kensington Gardens, which surround the palace, are also a major London attraction.

King Charles and Princess Diana, lived at Kensington Palace with their children, Prince William and Prince Harry, and it remained Diana's official residence after their divorce, until her death in 1997.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="DeAgostini/Getty Images" data-licensor-name="DeAgostini/Getty Images" /> When Charles bought the Highgrove estate in 1980, it had little more than a neglected kitchen garden, an overgrown copse, some pastureland and a few hollow oaks. The Prince (at the time) was adamant that it should be converted into an entirely organic garden and farm. Since then, the gardens have undergone a number of changes, and the public has enjoyed visiting. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="David Goddard/Getty Images" data-licensor-name="David Goddard/Getty Images" />