Queen Camilla and King Charles have broken from tradition after their “separate living” agreement.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are spending a rare three days together at Villa Wolkonsky in Rome. The royal couple are staying at the official residence of the British ambassador to Italy during their state visit.
This extended time together marks a departure from their normal living arrangements in the UK.
The King and Queen typically maintain separate residences, with Camilla keeping her beloved Wiltshire home alongside their shared royal households. This unusual arrangement was established before their marriage in 2005.
Queen Camilla and King Charles break from routine after ‘separate living’ agreement
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According to royal insiders, the separate living spaces have proven crucial to the success of their relationship.
The Rome visit represents one of the few occasions where the couple will share accommodation for multiple consecutive nights.
Their separate living arrangement was agreed upon before they married, according to Jack Stooks, who worked as a senior gardener at Highgrove for King Charles for over two decades.
“Before Charles and Camilla got married, they agreed Camilla would keep her home,” Stooks revealed in a recent interview.
Queen Camilla and King Charles are in Italy on a state visit
PA
“The separate space was important for them both and their families.”
For the Queen, her Wiltshire residence holds significant sentimental value: “For Camilla, her Wiltshire house had so many memories of raising her family. It’s somewhere she can retreat and escape royal life if she needs to.”
The property also offers privacy away from public scrutiny: “It’s somewhere she can go with her family and have a laid-back weekend without prying eyes.”
The former staff member explained that both royals value their independence.
Queen Camilla and King Charles on their way to Villa Wolkonsky
Reuters
“Charles enjoys time alone and he’s got a very strong work ethic. He’s been known to work at his desk into the early hours.”
Meanwhile, the Queen maintains her own social life: “Camilla has a lot of friends and is close to her family.
“They’re both independent people and don’t mind time apart. The fact they don’t live in each other’s pockets is one of the many reasons their marriage works.”
This practical arrangement extends to their household staff as well: “Camilla has garden staff at her home, while Charles has a team at all of his residences.
Queen Camilla and King Charles will also spend their anniversary in Italy
Reuters
“So it makes even less sense for Camilla to sell her Wiltshire home and have to see beloved staff leave.”
The former gardener believes their arrangement requires no adjustment: “It’s a set-up that works for them both, so why rock the boat?”
The King and Queen married in 2005 after a controversial start to their relationship. Charles was previously married to Princess Diana, while Camilla was married to Andrew Parker Bowles.
Their unusual living arrangement appears to have helped them navigate the complexities of royal life together.
