King Charles and Queen Camilla, married since 2005, often choose to spend their weekends apart, a habit that royal analysts say does not harm their relationship and may even benefit it.
The topic came up on the latest episode of the show Palace Confidential, where royal editors Robert Hardman and Rebecca English answered audience questions about the British monarchy, including why the king and queen so often spend weekends in different places.
Camilla's retreat at Ray Mill House
When the couple married in 2005, Camilla insisted on keeping Ray Mill House in Wiltshire, the home she had bought after her first marriage ended. She has spent many weekends there ever since, away from official royal duties.
Rebecca English, royal editor for the Daily Mail, said this lifestyle suits the couple well, since they were used to living apart for long stretches before they married. She said they lead fairly independent lives and that she does not think it affects their relationship at all.
English explained that Ray Mill House gives Camilla a space to fully relax, where she can host her children and grandchildren without the formality of royal palace life. Meanwhile, King Charles enjoys spending time at Highgrove House, tending to his gardens and favorite pastimes.
English said it may seem strange to many people, but it works for them, noting that when they return from a royal tour and land at RAF Brize Norton, they can often be seen sharing a kiss before getting into separate cars, calling it simply the way they have chosen to live.
'A break' from official life
Robert Hardman, who covered royal news for years, said Ray Mill House gives Camilla's family a sense of normality away from protocol. He said her grandchildren can feel like they are at their grandmother's house, free to play and without having to follow the strict rules of the palace.
Hardman said that at their grandmother's house, everyone can wear jeans, run around the garden and relax, with no need to call anyone "Your Majesty" or "Your Royal Highness," calling it a form of decompression from royal life.
English also recalled a phone call with Camilla during the pandemic, when the queen was at Ray Mill House. She described hearing horses passing outside while the queen's dog began barking, prompting Camilla to spontaneously tell the dog to stop. English said the moment showed that Ray Mill House is a genuine family refuge for Camilla, away from the formality and demands of palace life.
