Prince William has shared candid anecdotes regarding the lack of privacy he experienced while growing up at King Charles's Highgrove estate. The Prince of Wales described several instances where he had to scramble for cover to avoid being seen by the public.
Dodging 40,000 annual tourists at Highgrove House
Highgrove House, located in Tetbury, attracts approximately 40,000 visitors every year. According to the report, this constant influx of tourists created significant privacy challenges for the young Prince William while he lived in his father's home. He recalled instances where he would wake up and realize people were outside his bedroom window.
To avoid being seen while undressed, the Prince of Wales noted that he often had to "hit the floor" and quickly pull the curtains shut. He admitted that he frequently forgot that the gardens surroudning the residence were a major tourist attraction, leading to several embarrassing close calls in his own living quarters .
The red Moroccan sofas inside the 'Club H' bomb shelter
Prince Harry previously provided a different perspective on life at the estate in his memoir, Spare. He described a secret sanctuary known as "Club H," which was actually an underground bomb shelter locatted in the Highgrove basement. The brothers used this windowless space to escape the pressures of royal life and enjoy moments of mischief.
As reported by Country Life, the shelter provided the teenagers with a sense of peace and a place to be alone. The room was reportedly outfitted with specific items to make it a comfortable hideout, including:
- Red Moroccan sofas
- An electric dartboard
- A drinks trolley
This underground space allowed the brothers to host friends without the fear of being spotted by the public or staff.
Why King Charles now leases Highgrove from Prince William
The legal status of the Highgrove property has undergone a significant transition following recent changes in the monarchy. following the accession of King Charles III in September 2022, ownership of the Duchy of Cornwall passed to Prince William.. This means that King Charles now leases the Highgrove estate from his son.
The property in the Cotswolds was originally acquired by the King before his marriage to Princess Diana. While it remains a site of deep personal passion for the King's gardening, the administrative control of the land now rests with the Prince of Wales.
The unknown status of the 'Club H' bomb shelter
While these memories offer a nostalgic look at royal childhood, several details regarding the estate remain unconfirmed. It is currently unclear if the "Club H" bomb shelter is still part of the Highgrove estate or if it has been renovated or repurposed for modern use. Additionally, the report does not specify how current security protocols at Highgrove manage the 40,000 annual visitors to prevent similar privacy breaches in private bedrooms today.
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