6 days Ago By [email protected] (Phoebe Tonks)
With just over a week left to go until Christmas gets into full swing, King Charles has already been embracing the holiday season by bringing a little festive magic to his Highgrove estate. On Friday, the monarch hosted the annual 'Crafts at Christmas' celebration in collaboration with the tutors and students from his charity The King’s Foundation, who brought an extra touch of yuletide cheer to the proceedings with their expertise in painting, millinery and embroidery. The festive afternoon was hosted in the grounds of His Majesty's Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove, and was a chance for the monarch to reaffirm his commitment to promoting and celebrating traditional crafts in an age when they were sadly falling out of favour.
He said: "It's really trying to maintain the timeless skills, which are always needed really, whatever age we're in. They are all rather disappearing, the battle is trying to keep all the special ones." Throughout the event, the King explored several of the stalls on offer, including chatting to an artist, a blacksmith and sampling some delicious roasted chestnuts - perfect for the holiday season.
After a serenade by a local choir and animatedly chatting with attendees the King retreated to the Orchard Room, an events space in the grounds of Highgrove, where he personally helped to decorate the elaborate Christmas tree. King Charles has owned the Highgrove estate since 1980, and previously shared the lavish residence with his former wife, the late Princess Diana and their then-young children Princes William and Harry. The residence has also long been a sort of ‘sanctuary’ for the King, who once famously confessed to retreating to the tiny chapel on the grounds, when he wished for a moment’s peace away from the rigorous demands of royal life.
Set in 900 acres of organic land, the residence dates back to the Georgian era and despite its historic charm has undergone several renovations in the past, including when the King decided to install a farm in order to access sustainable and locally sourced produce. Boasting nine bedrooms and six bathrooms, the mansion has been a labour of love for the monarch, who has tirelessly worked to perfect both the interiors and stunning gardens, since his time as the Prince of Wales, prior to his mother’s death. In fact, the gardens are often so in demand, the King opens them up every year to visitors to enjoy the enchanting scenery and make the most of the vivid and natural space.
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