Before the Royal Palace
Tahra did not begin as the principal residence of a monarch. Its earlier architectural history preceded Farouk's acquisition, and the property evolved from villa to a more elaborate Italianate palace.
1939 — Entry into the Royal Network
Farouk purchased the palace in 1939 for Queen Farida. From that point it became a verified royal residence, but official Egyptian material explicitly notes that it was not Farouk's principal residence.
Why It Matters
Tahra demonstrates that royal provenance can begin after construction. A building can become genuinely royal without having been purpose-built for a sovereign.