King Charles has 'plans to turn Royal Windsor Castle into Museum to bring in more money'

King Charles has 'plans to turn Royal Windsor Castle into Museum to bring in more money' 

King Charles is 'keen' to turn royal residences including Windsor Castle and Balmoral into museums in an attempt to make the Royal Family more 'open' and 'sustainable'

Royal experts have revealed that King Charles has plans to open up some of the official royal residences to the public in a bid to make the Royal Family "more sustainable".

Daily Mirror Royal Editor Russell Myers has suggested that Windsor Castle and Balmoral could both be turned into museums as part of the plans.

Discussing the king's plans for the future on True Royalty's The Royal Beat programme, he said: "Charles is very keen about opening more of the palaces, certainly the ones that aren’t being used."

He added: "Windsor Castle would probably be one of them and would be opened more.

"He has plans to make Balmoral some sort of museum and certainly to bring in more money, to make it more sustainable for the Royal Family and for the country.”

New areas of Windsor Castle could open up to the public

Windsor Castle, which is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, has been home to 40 monarchs and is already open to visitors throughout the year.

However, only certain parts of the castle are open to the public, with other areas remaining private.

The Balmoral estate could also be turned into a museum

Meanwhile, the late Queen's beloved Balmoral estate is only open to the public at certain times of the year.

It is usually open to visitors from April to July each year but this year members of the public will be able to visit the grounds and gardens of the estate on certain dates in November and December to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

Under King Charles' potential plans, both of the residences could become more accessible to the public.

Royal experts say Charles wants a more 'open monarchy'

Royal expert and author Wesley Kerr said that this could be a part of the King's attempts to create a more "open Monarchy".

He added: “I think there’s going to be far more emphasis on that, just as [Charles] always meets people on engagements.

"The Queen probably didn’t do that towards the end of her reign, so I think there’s just much more emphasis on it being a public and open Monarchy.”

Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs

Both Windsor Castle and Balmoral are actively used by members of the Royal Family who live in them and Ingrid Seward, Editor in Chief at Majesty Magazine, said that this could make the potential museums very popular.

She said: "People, especially visiting from abroad, love the idea that they’re going into a palace or a castle where the Queen or somebody is actually living - although you don’t see them - so that is quite important and there should be a presence there.”