Audacious plans by Prince Charles to move his court to Windsor Castle when he becomes king could see Buckingham Palace turned into a hotel, according to a new book from respected journalist Andrew Marr.

According to the book - The Diamond Queen: Elizabeth II and Her People – the Prince of Wales is considering uprooting the Royal family from Buckingham Palace in a bid to assert his authority.

Marr, a BBC broadcaster and author, claims the palace could be remodelled as a historic hotel and events centre.

In an extract released ahead of publication Marr writes: “One of the more dramatic ideas that has been discussed is for the royal family in his reign to leave Buckingham Palace entirely, leaving it as a kind of grand official government hotel and centre for events.

“The king would base himself not in London but at Windsor Castle.”

A spokesman for Clarence House denied there were any plans for a move away from Buckingham Palace earlier.

Prince Charles became the longest serving heir to the throne in April this year.

Buckingham Place is already a major tourist attraction in London and could see its profile rocket further should guests be welcomed to stay the night.