Queen Camilla Confirms Reports of ‘Terrible’ Nightmare Affecting Her Country Home With King Charles
Queen Camilla attended the second day of the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse on August 21, where she serves as patron. The Queen Consort looked regal in a Fiona Clare dress as she graciously received a jar of honey from local producers. It was during this exchange of sweet honey and words that Camilla confirmed reports of a wasp infestation at Sandringham Estate. On August 17, reports surfaced of the unexpected outbreak this summer, prompting King Charles to issue a public warning for the safety of guests.
Sandringham is Charles's country home in Norfolk, where the royal family spends their Christmas in privacy. As reported by HELLO!, Camilla met Harry and Seline Silk of Knavesmire Nectar and revealed that the wasp infestation had become a 'terrible' nuisance, with pest control experts brought in and signs warning tourists of high wasp activity. She also shared that her own bees at her private Wiltshire home, Ray Mill, had been causing trouble due to excessive swarming. She had purchased the serene retreat in 1996 after her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles and retained it following her marriage to Charles in 2005.
A week ago, experts revealed that Sandringham Estate fell prey to a major wasp outbreak following the driest Spring in 50 years, which created ideal breeding conditions for the insects. With tourism expected to rise during the Summer, Sandringham implemented precautionary measures to safeguard visitors. According to The Sun, a warning posted outside the Estate read: "Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area." To reduce the risk, rubbish bins and dumpsters had been sealed or draped with cloth to deter breeding, while plastic wasp traps were installed to capture the insects before relocating them. Last month, the Estate also called in pest control services to remove three wasp nests discovered at the Royal Stud.
A source who claimed to know about the challenge said, "King Charles is known for his love of the environment, but everyone is aware that too many wasps could be a problem for visitors. Wasps are a critical part of the ecosystem, and nobody wants to harm them." They continued, "This year, there have been far more than is normal, which is why it is a challenge." Meanwhile, the Estate staff warned visitors not to venture near rubbish containers.
Coming back to Camilla’s appearance at the Ebor Festival, PEOPLE reported that she attended the equestrian event solo to officially open the track’s new complex. At York Racecourse, she was welcomed by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Chris Legard; the chairman of York Race Committee, Mrs Bridget Guerin, and the Chief Executive of York Racecourse, Mr William Derby.
As for Camilla's love for beekeeping, she is known to produce honey at her Ray Mill House residence, which is sold at Fortnum & Mason in aid of charity. She shares this passion with both the King and the Princess of Wales, who also keep bees. Charles’s hives also produce a 'Royal Garden Honey' available for purchase on the Highgrove Gardens website.