The Prince of Wales has shared a humorous insight into the unique challenges of residing in a royal home that also functions as a tourist destination. In a recent edition of *Country Life* magazine, which he guest-edited, Prince William reflected on his experiences at Highgrove House, a residence frequently visited by the public due to its renowned gardens.
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Highgrove House, located in Gloucestershire, is not only a family retreat for the Prince but also attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually. This situation, while enjoyable for many, posed certain awkward moments for the royal heir. “Living in a private house that was surrounded by a working public garden could be quite difficult,” the Prince explained. He recounted instances where he would awake, draw back the curtains, and find himself in an embarrassing situation. “I had to hit the floor and hurriedly close them,” he revealed, when he realised onlookers could see directly into his bedroom as he was “not fully dressed.”
The royal residence holds nostalgic significance for Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry. As children, both princes occasionally spent weekends and holidays at Highgrove with their parents, King Charles and the late Princess Diana. The house features four main reception rooms, nine bedrooms, and a self-contained nursery wing, complemented by its celebrated gardens. In his own memoir released in 2023, Prince Harry reminisced about the brothers converting an underground bomb shelter into a secret hideaway they affectionately named ‘Club H’.
Highgrove House has also hosted significant family events, notably a reunion between King Charles and the Sussex family over the summer. This marked Meghan Markle’s return to the UK, along with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whom she had not seen in person for four years.
In his *Country Life* issue, released on 11 November, Prince William also expressed his deep affection for the British countryside. He described it as a “place of escape for children” and a source of peace and tranquillity. He noted how their family dogs have played an instrumental role in fostering outdoor activities, encouraging his children to explore nature. This issue features contributions from young Prince George, who captured a stunning image of a kingfisher at the age of 13, as well as an interview with Kate Middleton discussing the significance of nature in her battle with cancer.
Mark Hedges, the editor-in-chief of *Country Life*, commended Prince William’s hands-on approach during his time as guest editor. He praised the Prince’s unwavering commitment to environmental issues and his desire to shed light on challenging topics facing the countryside. Hedges remarked, “We see the Prince as a family man, a football fan, and with a weakness for a chocolate cake first served to him by his grandmother.” He concluded that the edition, which reflects Prince William’s varied interests, is likely to be a bestseller.
The Prince’s stint as guest editor follows in the footsteps of his father, King Charles, who has taken on the role twice, in 2013 and 2018. Last year, Queen Camilla also guest-edited the magazine to celebrate her 75th birthday, with the cover photograph taken by Kate Middleton herself.
With this collaborative effort, the royal family continues to engage with the public, while providing insights into their lives and values. Prince William’s reflections on Highgrove highlight both the delightful and the comical aspects of living within a residence that serves multiple functions, blending family life with royal duties and public interest.
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