Royalists Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have reportedly moved into a new flat at St James’s Palace.
The Hollywood superstars, who are ardent monarchists, are said to have recently rented a flat in London’s oldest palace to have their base in the city.
Wednesday’s Zeta-Jones, 53, and Fatal Attraction star Douglas, 78, are now a stone’s throw from the King and Queen’s home, while Princesses Anne and Beatrice are even closer neighbours.
A source said: “It’s just perfect for their needs when visiting the capital.”
Here, FEMAIL takes a look inside the palace built by Henry VIII in the 16th century, as well as the Hollywood couple’s new royal neighbors…
Royalists Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas (pictured together in January 2023) have reportedly moved into a new flat at St James’s Palace
The palace plays a ceremonial role in royal life
Princess Charlotte and Prince George hold the hands of their father, Prince William, as they arrive at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, London, for the christening of their brother, Prince Louis, who is being carried by their mother, then Duchess of Cambridge
St James’s Palace has an important ceremonial function and the accession of a new sovereign is heralded by the Proclamation Gallery overlooking Friary Court. Pictured, Prince William and the Queen Consort look on as King Charles greets them during an Accession Council meeting at St
St James’s Palace has an important ceremonial function and the accession of a new sovereign is heralded by the Proclamation Gallery overlooking Friary Court.
Over the years, St James’s Palace has also hosted family celebrations – including the christening of Prince George and the christening of Prince Louis in 2018 – and the Queen’s Guard ascends there daily.
It also hosts up to 100 receptions each year for charities associated with members of the royal family.
According to the Royal Family’s website, the State Rooms are also sometimes used for entertainment during incoming state visits.
Rentals within the palace were first offered in 2015. At the time, a source said: “In theory, anyone can apply, but all potential renters are subject to security and background checks.”
Offices based at the Palace include the Royal Collection Trust, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, the Central Chancellery of the Orders of Chivalry, the Chapel Royal, the Gentlemen at Arms, the Yeomen of the Guard and the Queen’s Watermen.
Prince William receives Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni during an audience at St James’s Palace in London January 21, 2020
A general view of the interior of the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, where Prince George was christened in 2013
Guests are seen at the National Pharmacy Association reception at St James’s Palace on May 04, 2022 in London
Home of Princess Anne, Princess Alexandra and Princess Beatrice
Princess Anne (pictured at an engagement at the palace, left) – who lives on the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire – uses the palace as a base when visiting London
Meanwhile, Princess Alexandra – Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin – has, according to Hello! Pictured, St James’s Palace
Charles and Anne during a ceremony at St James’s Palace on February 17, 2022 in London
Princess Anne, who lives in the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, uses the palace as a base when visiting London.
Meanwhile, Princess Alexandra – Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin – has, according to Hello!
Until the fall of 2017, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie shared an apartment in the palace.
In 2018, Eugenie moved into Kensington Palace with her husband Jack Brooksbank, while Beatrice is said to have lived at the palace until recently.
The 34-year-old royal now lives with her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi and their one-year-old daughter Sienna in a £3.5million six-bedroom farmhouse in the Cotswolds, according to The Express.
It is unclear whether Beatrice kept the palace apartment for a base in London; She was reportedly paying just £1,600 a month for the four-bedroom flat, around a fifth of the market price. But it is behind a security chain and therefore cannot be rented out commercially.
In 2021, Beatrice shared a glimpse of her home at St James’ Palace, complete with sweet family photos, modern decor and chic artwork.
In an interview with parenting blogger Giovanna Fletcher, she showed up at her home in central London, where she spoke about the “gift” of dyslexia, as well as her relationship with her husband’s son, Wolfie, whom she described as a “bonus child.”
Princess Beatrice shared a glimpse inside her home at St James’ Palace, complete with sweet family photos, modern decor and chic artwork. Pictured: 1. Pencil sketch artwork 2. Family photos 3. Tasteful neutral walls 4. Photos with her husband Edo 5. Trendy mirror 6. Dresser and jewelry
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend Royal Ascot on June 15, 2022 at Ascot Racecourse
The Queen’s living room was filled with photos of her and Edo, as well as snaps from their travels around the world, clearly keeping the family close to her heart.
Pictures on the wall showed her with her parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and her sister Princess Eugenie.
Alongside the photos, the white walls have been adorned with black and white pencil art.
Interior design expert Benji Lewis suggested that the look inside Beatrice’s home showed her “accessibility” as it “didn’t look like a ‘former royal residence'”.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, he explained: “The backdrop suggests someone interested in creating a cosy, welcoming interior, who likes structure and a sense of calm and isn’t bothered about mixing contemporary elements with more traditional ones.
“The quatrefoil mirror is of great form – especially in its chunky, modern frame – but the prints on the left, in their simple giltwood frames, are more traditional, particularly one that’s finished with what looks like a detailed mount looks.
“There’s also an approach to things the background doesn’t say ‘formal royal residence'” – on the contrary, the room has a soft, friendly, calm vibe, particularly through the inclusion of a multitude of framed photos, probably of friends and family.
“Lighting wise, the positioning of the ceiling spotlights seems to have been thought through to emphasize the mirror and the two prints, so we can assume that with the ceiling lights (probably) dimmed, there will be a softening effect.
“The soft gray walls are soft and unobtrusive, an uncomplicated canvas for displaying possessions and a non-threatening backdrop for virtual appointments.”
An art lover, Beatrice has attended many events at the National Portrait Gallery, among others, while her sister Eugenie is director of the Hauser & Wirth gallery in London.
To show that she’s up to date with interior design trends, Beatrice also opted for a neutral cream wall that highlighted her photos framed in black wood.
She also added a statement mirror to the space, as well as a dresser that houses more jewelry and framed photos. Long white curtains covered in a red and blue tree pattern were reflected in the mirror.