Royal Couple Prefers Private Celebrations

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary later this month, but orchestrating a romantic date night presents unique challenges. Unlike most couples, they cannot simply dine at a public restaurant.

Birkhall: A Romantic Retreat

Former royal gardener Jack Snooks revealed that the couple typically celebrates their anniversaries at Birkhall, a Scottish estate inherited by King Charles from his grandmother, the Queen Mother, in 2002. The estate has been a frequent getaway for the couple, including their honeymoon in 2005 and every summer since.

A Modest Estate for Intimate Moments

Snooks described Birkhall as “lovely,” noting it’s not a large house but features a comfortable drawing room and a small dining room. Anniversaries are typically marked with “just them and if they have a few guests or family members,” who would join them for “a quiet meal.”

Dietary Preferences and Security Concerns

While a crab soufflé prepared by a royal chef might seem understated, the King and Queen’s options are limited. Snooks explained, “It’s not that easy that they can go and have a nice meal in a restaurant and be left alone. It’s so difficult.”

The King's Eating Habits

King Charles is known to be particular about his eating patterns and doesn’t consume large meals. “They're not like these sort of people that will go and have a full on meal and a starter and a main course and the pudding,” Snooks shared. Queen Camilla, however, frequently dines out with friends and family at London restaurants like The Wollesley.

A Comfortable and Loving Partnership

Despite not being overtly affectionate in public, Snooks emphasized the deep connection between the King and Queen. “They're very comfortable in each other's company, and they sort of seem to fit so perfectly together,” he said. “He obviously dotes on her, and she dotes on him.”