King Charles has several royal homes where he can escape the crowds of London in search of a slower pace of life.
One of his go-tos is his private residence, Highgrove House in the Cotswolds, which the Duchy of Cornwall purchased in 1980, one year before he married his first wife, Princess Diana.
After renovating the nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom home and extensive gardens, the monarch is said to be “incredibly at ease” at the home near Tetbury, according to photographer Chris Jackson.
Photos shared on Highgrove’s Instagram page to promote a special event with the royal photographer show a more laid-back Charles making the most of his suntrap garden. Setting up camp next to a circular water feature, Charles donned sunglasses as he rifled through some papers, creating a makeshift office space with rattan furniture that held his briefcase, filing system, and even a landline phone.
Splashes of purple, red and yellow flowers framed the picture, highlighting the King’s dedication to his garden.
In the accompanying quote, Chris explained Highgrove is “clearly somewhere he is relaxed and incredible at ease,” adding: “These unique surroundings consistently form a spectacular backdrop for some special photographs of the monarch.”
Further photos showed Charles wearing wellies and carrying baskets of food for his chickens.
“On 6 May, guests will hear from @ChrisJacksonGetty and discover the stories that shaped his acclaimed work, before a signing of his new book, Modern Majesty: The British Royal Family in a New Era.
“Chris Jackson is known for photographing historic moments with @TheRoyalFamily. His style brings a rare behind‑the‑scenes insight into modern Royal life, captured in his new book,” the caption read.
Highgrove House passion project
© GettyCharles was previously pictured at the property with his two young sons Prince William and Prince Harry, but he now shares the home with his second wife, Queen Camilla.
The property dates back to the 18th century, but it has undergone modernisation, including a ‘panic room’ to keep the royals safe. While the house remains off-limits to the public, Charles throws open the gates to his enchanting gardens between April and October each year.
© GettyThe 15 acres of gardens at Charles’ Tetbury residence are quite the passion project for the green-fingered royal – something he is hoping to pass on to his grandchildren.
“You never know, do you, what people are going to be interested in. The most important thing is I got him planting a tree or two here, so we planted it together and shovelled in the earth,” he said on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time.
“That’s the way, I think, when you are very small, and then each time they come you say, ‘Do you see how much the tree has grown, or whatever?’ and you hope that they take an interest.”
Read the full article here
