Apparently, Prince Harry and Meghan are moving to Buckingham Palace – here is what we know

Buckingham Palace is arguably the most recognized 'royal residence' globally – but the areas that actually serve as homes are far less familiar to the outside world. 

Though the palace, located in central London, is considered a royal residence, much of the landmark property consists of official State Apartments that serve as meeting spaces for foreign dignitaries, royals, and celebrities alike. These rooms are also open to the public for selected dates during winter and spring and ten weeks each summer. 

The palace's Private Apartments are, however, much less explored – and they may soon serve as the UK base for Meghan and Harry, who were 'evicted' from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. 

According to The Mail on Sunday, King Charles requested the couple leave their former home and is said to have offered the property to his brother, Andrew, the Duke of York. However, reports say that the monarch has offered Meghan and Harry an 'olive branch' in the shape of an apartment in Buckingham Palace. 

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'His Majesty is furious [with Harry], as is [Prince] William. But the King is not a bad man. He has no wish to see his brother Andrew homeless or penniless. Nor does he wish to deprive the Sussexes of a base in the UK,' the source told The Mail. It is reported that the King coincidentally offered Frogmore to Prince Andrew, where he may move after 20 years in the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor.

'London is a better fit,' the source adds. 'The Sussexes have always wanted rooms at Buckingham Palace. They could have Andrew’s old rooms there, which are currently being vacated.' Here's what else we know about the secret royal homes. 

Buckingham Palace's Private Apartments – what you need to know

Located at the rear right of the palace, the private apartments run along the northwest flank of the building – and a small section faces the rear of Buckingham Palace Gardens. 

A floorplan designed by Screen Therapy shows the series of rooms that stretch from the Mall to the gardens – including the Queen’s Audience Room (located on the ground floor) that exhibits floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lawn. 

The Private Apartments make up at least 25 of the 775 rooms in the palace – however, while this is considered a 'small' percentage in terms of the entire building, it is likely to offer ample space for Harry, Meghan, and their two children Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. 

Images from inside the home are unsurprisingly sparse; however, there are some exceptions. This includes a photo of the Queen’s Audience Room (pictured below) that offers a glimpse into the private part of the palace. 

This room, designed by John Fowler, exhibits polished dark wood floors and white contrast moldings that create a contrast against the floor. There is a selection of ornate antique furnishings including a cream armchair and a gold-fringed mirror above the fireplace.

Alongside the communal spaces and rooms for staff, the private apartment has Monarch’s Suite, Consort’s Suite, and The Morning Room – where the late Queen and Prince Philip reportedly had breakfast when they stayed in Buckingham Palace. 

There are no official images of this space; however, a journalist for The Mirror shared a photo (seen here) following a period as an undercover footman who was employed by the palace in 2003. 

Where are the private apartments in Buckingham Palace?

The private living spaces are located at the rear right of the building – spanning from The Mall to the Queen’s Audience Room that overlooks Buckingham Palace's lawn. 

The rumors regarding Harry and Meghan are yet to be confirmed, but we'll keep you updated as we know more about their property portfolio – and the future of Buckingham Palace's most undisclosed areas.