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Queen Camilla is buzzing about some trouble at home this summer.
On Aug. 21, the Queen, 78, revealed that an infestation of wasps at Sandringham has become a “terrible” nuisance. Sandringham is the royal family’s retreat in Norfolk, where they traditionally spend Christmas, and one of the many properties in King Charles’ portfolio of royal real estate.
According to Hello!, the Queen offered the comment during her solo day out at the Ebor Festival, an equestrian event she attended as Patron of the York Racecourse to open the track’s new complex.
She also met Harry and Seline Silk of Knavesmire Nectar there, and added that the bees at her private home in Wiltshire have been causing problems with the way that they are swarming.
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Queen Camilla owns a home in the Wiltshire countryside called Ray Mill House, purchasing the favorite escape in 1996 following her divorce from her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. She retained the residence even after marrying the future King Charles in 2005 and heads there most weekends for a peaceful retreat.
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The Queen keeps bees as a hobby at Ray Mill House and the honey from the hives is available for charitable sale at Fortnum & Mason. She’s one of several beekeepers in the royal family, as Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have also pursued the hobby.
Queen Camilla’s quip about the “terrible” wasps at Sandringham referred to what’s allegedly a larger problem. According to The Sun, signs have been placed around the estate that say, “Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area.”
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“King Charles is known for his love of the environment but everyone is aware too many wasps could be a problem for visitors,” a source told the outlet. “Wasps are a critical part of the eco-system and nobody wants to harm them. This year there have been far more than is normal, which is why it is a challenge.”
Per the report published on Aug. 17, a historically dry spring season created the perfect conditions for the wasps and other bugs to breed.
The King and Queen’s most recent joint public appearance was when they drove to church at Crathie Kirk together on Aug. 17, attending the church service the day before the King, 76, officially kicked off his summer stay at the nearby Balmoral Castle.
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Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands has been the royal family’s summer gathering place for generations and a beloved tradition King Charles has continued from his late mother Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
