Princes William and Harry will live with their father from the New Year, St James's Palace has announced.

The Prince of Wales is making a new home for his family virtually "next door" to his existing apartment, which he will give up, a spokesman said.

The new five-bedroomed home is in York House, which is part of the historic St James's Palace range of buildings. Prince Charles has had his London apartment there since his separation from the Princess of Wales was announced five years ago.

York House is currently empty because the Duke and Duchess of Kent, who had lived there for years, moved out months ago to an apartment at Kensington Palace.

Recently they decided that their offices, which had remained at York House, should also be moved to Kensington Palace.

The boys - William, 15, at school at Eton, and Harry, 13, at Ludgrove - are said to be looking forward to live with their father and to have a new home in the centre of London.

The St James's Palace spokesman said York House was currently being renovated and would be ready to move into during the New Year.

The princes are said to be looking forward to live with their father

The two Princes are expected to spend a traditional Christmas with their father and the Royal Family, although no announcement has been made.

Princes William and Harry are said to enjoy spending Christmas with their father's family, and their mother was happy to let them go to the Royal residence in Sandringham every year, even though it meant her spending Christmas alone.

York House overlooks the public road Cleveland Row, but has its main entrance in the private Ambassadors Court at the heart of the palace.

A century ago it was the home of the future King George V and Queen Mary.

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