King Charles and Queen Camilla were forced to alter their holiday plans this year due to the monarch’s ongoing cancer treatment, leading to separate trips for the royal couple.
The pair had originally planned to take their favourite trips to Romania and a skiing holiday, but these were cancelled following the King’s diagnosis, The Times reports.
Instead, the 76-year-old King spent time at Scotland’s Castle of Mey in Caithness, whilst Queen Camilla, 77, took a private holiday abroad with her family.
The changes to their usual holiday schedule came as part of necessary adjustments to accommodate the King’s treatment regime.
Queen Camilla joined forces with private family as King Charles went on solo trip
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The location of Queen Camilla’s family holiday has not been disclosed, maintaining privacy during this period of medical treatment for the King.
During his stay at the 16th-century Castle of Mey, King Charles returned to painting for the first time since becoming monarch.
“This summer, he took up painting again for the first time since his accession,” the publication reported, noting there were “unexpected benefits to the enforced downtime that his illness necessitates.”
The Scottish castle, situated on the north coast, provided inspiring views of the Orkney Islands for the King’s artistic pursuits.
King Charles visiting the Castle of Mey earlier this year
PA
The historic residence holds royal significance, having been renovated by the Queen Mother in the 1950s after she acquired the then-derelict property.
The castle remains accessible to the public between May and September, allowing visitors to explore its impressive grounds and interior.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla’s separate family holiday location has remained private, maintaining discretion during this period of adjustment for the royal couple.
Despite the changes to their usual holiday plans, the royal couple managed to find moments of respite during their official tours to Australia and Samoa.
Queen Camilla took a private holiday with her own family
PA
The Times revealed that Palace staff worked to ensure the King and Queen could enjoy private swimming sessions away from media attention in the South Pacific Ocean.
Charles and Camilla also took advantage of the facilities at Admiralty House in Sydney, where they swam lengths in the pool between their official engagements.
These private moments provided welcome relaxation for the couple during their busy schedule of back-to-back meetings and engagements on the other side of the world.
The carefully arranged private time allowed the royal couple to maintain some normalcy despite the year’s medical challenges.
King Charles and Queen Camilla pictured during their international tour to Australia and Samoa
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The King and Queen are now at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, their traditional December residence, preparing for family festivities.
Christmas celebrations will begin on Christmas Eve, when Charles and Camilla host an extended family dinner.
Following tradition, on Christmas morning, the King and Queen will lead the Royal Family on their annual walk to St Mary Magdalene Church.
The gathering will include the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
The Norfolk estate has been the Royal Family’s preferred Christmas destination for many years, maintaining a cherished holiday tradition.
This year’s celebrations mark a significant moment as the family comes together following the King’s year of medical treatment.