Charles returns to Highgrove 'to reflect' after first few days as King, while Camilla retreats to Wiltshire estate

15 September 2022, 11:10 | Updated: 15 September 2022, 11:36

Charles retreats to Highgrove House to contemplate his mother's death
Charles retreats to Highgrove House to contemplate his mother's death. Picture: Getty

By StephenRigley

The new monarch has returned to his home in Gloucestershire after his momentous first week of royal duties following the death of his mother.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

King Charles III will not attend any public events today. His return to Highgrove was laid out in the detailed planning for the aftermath of the Queen’s death – known as operation ‘London Bridge’. The day was set aside for the King to have some time away after a heavy week of ceremonial duties.

This will give the King time to grieve personally, which he has so far set aside to take part in the many ceremonies up and down the country since the death of his mother and his ascension to the throne.

Charles bought Highgrove House in 1980, purchasing it from then MP Maurice Macmillan, the son of former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

Charles looked mournful as he waved to crowds outside Buckingham Palace
Charles looked mournful as he waved to crowds outside Buckingham Palace. Picture: Getty

Camilla, the Queen Consort, has retreated to her own home, Ray Mill House, near Lacock in Wiltshire. It is understood that this is the first time the King and Queen Consort have been apart form one another since the death of the Queen.

The King will still receive his red box of state papers whilst at Highgrove. This is the box containing important documents to brief the King on government business, policy papers, Foreign Office telegrams, and parliamentary business. Some of these documents also need the King’s sign off.

The King receives and has to read the papers every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

The new monarch has travelled more than 1,500 miles around the country in the past few days. On Thursday afternoon, Charles and Camilla flew from Dumfries house to Balmoral to be with the late Queen before she died.

Charles has owned the estate in Gloucestershire since 1990
Charles has owned the estate in Gloucestershire since 1990. Picture: Getty

Read More: Britain weeps for its Queen: Thousands wait all night to pay respects but queue may have to close early

Read More: Practising for the Queen's final parade: Military's pre-dawn rehearsal for Monday's funeral

The new King and Queen Consort then flew 400 miles to RAF Northolt in west London, to then drive to Buckingham Palace. King Charles then held his first audience with the prime minister, Liz Truss, before addressing the nation with a moving tribute to his “darling mama” on Friday evening.

Charles was then proclaimed King during the ascension council over the weekend. On Monday he then addressed parliament. From there he flew to Edinburgh to start his tour of the home nations. The King was joined by his siblings Anne, Andrew, and Edward as they processed behind the Queen’s coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral.

After a trip to Northern Ireland to attend a memorial service for his mother, he returned to London with other members of the royal family to receive the Queen’s coffin at Buckingham Palace.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Jannik Sinner

World tennis number one Jannik Sinner handed three-month ban for doping

Keith Edun, 47, used the messaging app “Kik” to spread vile images of children

Predator who encouraged man to rape a baby after sharing vile images of children online is jailed for 21 years

Breaking
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

Zelenskyy calls for creation of ‘European army’ as he warns Russia 'will pull Europe apart' if not defeated

The woman who said she was raped by rappers and business moguls Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2000, when she was 13, has dropped her civil lawsuit against both men.

Woman who accused Jay-Z and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of raping her when she was 13 drops lawsuit

Liam Payne died last Wednesday.

One Direction star Liam Payne was 'sectioned' after near-fatal overdose months before death, close friend claims

Hamas hands over 3 Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip to Red Cross

Hamas parades three Israeli hostages on stage before being freed - as hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released

uk british national lottery euromillions ticket with picks

Winning numbers revealed as single UK EuroMillions ticket holder scoops massive £65million Valentine’s Day jackpot

The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt

Manhunt launched after woman seriously injured at village pub in Valentine's Day 'shooting'

Rob and Lindsey Burrow a few weeks before he died

Rob Burrow's wife reveals heartbreaking moment she knew rugby league star 'couldn't go on' with MND struggle

Axel Rudakubana will be 'target number one' in prison

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana's sentence won't be referred to Court of Appeal despite claims it's 'unduly lenient'

The damaged shield

'Risk of radioactive leak' after Russian 'high explosive' drone hits Chernobyl, causing 'significant damage'

The fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse

Fire engulfs celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse as 100 evacuated from luxury hotel

Trump confirms he will meet Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks'

Trump to meet with Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks' - as JD Vance slams Europe in fiery speech

Both Meghan and Kate shared Valentine's pictures

Harry and Meghan share sweet Valentine's photo after William and Kate also post romantic picture

Jaden Sheriff.

Man found guilty of killing ex-girlfriend's neighbour over 'blue balls', sentenced to life imprisonment

The woman was attacked by a shark

Horror as woman loses both hands after being mauled by shark as husband desperately fights it off