Royal clocks change this weekend as King Charles III’s staff prepare for the seasonal time shift. Across all UK royal residences, teams will reset over 1,000 timepieces as the clocks go back for winter.
The clock adjustment officially occurs at 2:00 a.m. BST on Sunday, 26 October, but the task will take hours due to the number and variety of clocks in the royal homes. Teams at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, and other properties will participate in the operation, overseen by the royal horological conservator.
The residences house a wide array of clocks, including musical clocks, turret clocks, miniature models, and astronomical timepieces. Grandfather clocks are a particular favorite of King Charles III. He explained in a 2022 episode of The Repair Shop that he enjoys the tick-tock sound and chiming, which he finds comforting.
Charles recalled learning his love for clocks from his grandmother, who delighted in synchronizing multiple clocks to chime together in the dining room. The experience, he said, brought joy and encouraged family members to pause and enjoy the moment.
After the time change this weekend, the clocks will move forward again on 29 March 2026. Staff will need to repeat the meticulous process then, ensuring each clock remains accurate. The careful attention of the royal teams ensures that these historic timepieces continue to function properly while preserving their heritage.
Daylight Saving Time, the system prompting the clocks to change, was first introduced by the German army in 1916. The concept eventually spread across Europe and later to other countries worldwide. Its goal is to provide more daylight in the evenings during summer and more light in the mornings during winter.
The practice of changing the clocks remains controversial in the UK. A 2024 YouGov poll found 46 percent of Britons support maintaining Daylight Saving Time, while 42 percent oppose it. Despite the debate, royal residences will continue the tradition and prepare for the seasonal adjustment, ensuring every clock chimes correctly.
Royal clocks change marks a careful balance of tradition, heritage, and precision. From small cuckoo clocks to grand turrets, staff ensure King Charles III’s homes remain perfectly in time, honoring centuries of royal clock keeping.
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