A previously unseen photograph of a hidden corner at King Charles’ beloved Highgrove House has been shared in honor of the winter solstice. Posted on Highgrove Garden’s official Instagram account, the image captures a magical winter scene featuring a whimsical, fairytale-like arched doorway.
The pathway, lined with hedges and blooming shrubs, is shaded by towering trees that form a canopy over the charming little door, all dusted with snow.
The caption reads, “Today is the first official day of winter, and there’s no better way to embrace the new season than with a snowy view of the gardens,” which sparked a delighted response from royal fans. One admirer commented, “Beautiful. The garden is so inspirational,” while another called it “Such a beautiful place,” and a third described the photo as “magical.”
Highgrove House, nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside, is considered the King’s most cherished residence. Located in Doughton, Tetbury, this tranquil retreat holds a special place in his heart, even though he spends just five weeks a year there as monarch.
The 900-acre estate, where King Charles has dedicated three decades to transforming the grounds into an organic farm, has become a passion project. He has prioritized limiting the use of harmful chemicals and antibiotics on the land.
A passionate gardener, the King takes great pride in the gardens at Highgrove House, which he has meticulously curated over the last 30 years. In Charles III, a new royal biography by Robert Hardman, it’s revealed that the King has a particularly cherished sanctuary on the property.
According to Hardman, Charles retreats to a small chapel in the grounds of Highgrove to gather his thoughts, describing it as “somewhere where nobody can get me.” As he explained to Hardman in 2008, “Anywhere in the house, there is always a telephone, or somebody can always come. It is very important to have somewhere just to allow a moment.”
