King Charles III has always been a figure steeped in a deep appreciation for nature, with a commitment to sustainability evident throughout his life. His affection for the environment encompasses a variety of activities, including landscape painting and gardening. However, one of his most delightful outdoor passions is beekeeping. This sweet and intricate hobby not only allows the monarch to foster a connection with the natural world but also contributes positively to the environment he cherishes.
At the heart of Charles’s beekeeping endeavors lies his private residence, Highgrove House, an estate that serves as a vibrant oasis for biodiversity. The grounds of Highgrove feature a vast wildflower meadow that showcases 120 varieties of plants, providing an ideal habitat for bees. The estate houses around 30 beehives, each contributing to the production of “Royal Garden Honey,” which is available for purchase online. This honey not only represents a labor of love but also serves as a symbol of the monarch’s commitment to nature, as he extends this hobby to other royal residences, including Clarence House and Buckingham Palace.
Beekeeping within the royal family is not exclusive to King Charles. It appears that this fascinating hobby has captivated members of the family across generations, with The Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, and James Middleton—Kate’s brother—taking part in this unconventional practice. The collective enthusiasm of the royal family underscores not just a shared hobby but a unifying dedication to the environment.
At Anmer Hall, the Norfolk retreat of Prince William and Kate, the couple’s children are being raised with an appreciation for this buzzing business. During a visit to the Natural History Museum’s biodiversity hub in June 2021, Kate brought along jars of honey harvested from their hives for schoolchildren to sample. This thoughtful gesture served to educate young minds on the ecological importance of bees while promoting a sense of community.
Kate also shared a glimpse of her beekeeping adventures during World Bee Day, when she posted a charming photograph of herself in a full beekeeping suit, radiating joy as she tended to her bees. Her passion for these vital pollinators is evident in her words: “We are buzzing about #WorldBeeDay. Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem, and today is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy.”
Queen Camilla is another prominent figure in the royal beekeeping scene. She has cultivated her own hives at Ray Mill House in Wiltshire, producing honey that is sold at the iconic Fortnum & Mason. Proceeds from these sales are diverted to charitable causes, illustrating Camilla’s desire to intertwine her love for beekeeping with philanthropic efforts. Her role as President of Bees for Development, a charity that assists beekeepers in over 50 countries, embodies her commitment to environmental sustainability and the alleviation of poverty.
On a visit to Cornwall in 2022, Camilla proudly shared her hands-on experiences and successes as a beekeeper. Noting that she had only lost one colony during the winter, she showcases not just a passion for beekeeping but also a strong resilience and dedication to caring for the bees.
James Middleton, the younger brother of Kate, reflects a similar passion for beekeeping. Gifted his first beehive on his 24th birthday by his family, he described it as “the most fantastic birthday gift imaginable.” James’s ardor for these industrious creatures has grown over the years, and he expresses a deep commitment to bee conservation. In his words, “On a warm summer’s day, there are few places on Earth I’d rather be than tending my bees.” This statement encapsulates not only his sheer joy but also a sense of responsibility toward these essential pollinators.
Through beekeeping, the royal family collectively nurtures an appreciation for the environment and reinforces the crucial role of bees in preserving ecological balance. As they continue to share their passion with the public, they inspire others to recognize the significance of caring for our planet’s buzzing inhabitants. The story of royal beekeeping is a heartwarming reminder that nature connects us all, paving the way for future generations to continue this sweet legacy.
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