King Charles and Queen Camilla agreeing to have ‘two homes’ is the ‘key’ to strong marriage

The King and Queen have become one of the strongest couples in the monarchy

As King Charles and Queen Camilla approach their 20th wedding anniversary next month, insiders have revealed a surprising but intentional choice that has helped keep their royal romance strong: living apart.

While most couples might strive to share every waking moment under one roof, the King and Queen have embraced a different approach – one that those closest to them say is central to the success of their marriage.
Charles and Camilla enjoy their time apart as well as together (Credit: Cover Images)

King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘enjoy their time together and the time apart’

Jack Stooks worked as a senior gardener at Highgrove for more than two decades.

Speaking to The Sun, he shared an insight into the royal couple’s domestic life.

“Before Charles and Camilla got married, they agreed Camilla would keep her home,” Jack explained. “The separate space was important for them both and their families.”

The King resides primarily at Clarence House in London and rotates between other royal residences. However, Queen Camilla retreats most weekends to Ray Mill House, her personal sanctuary in Wiltshire.

The decision to maintain two homes was a deeply personal one.

“For Camilla, her Wiltshire house had so many memories of raising her family,” Jack shared. “It’s somewhere she can retreat and escape royal life if she needs to. It’s somewhere she can go with her family and have a laid-back weekend without prying eyes.”

Jack witnessed the couple’s evolving relationship over the years. He believes their independence is a strength, not a flaw.

He explained Charles likes ‘time alone’ and says His Majesty has a ‘strong work ethic’, known to still be working into the early hours of the morning.

Jack describes the couple as ‘independent people’ and don’t mind spending time away from each other. He says their marriage works so well because “they don’t live in each other’s pockets”.
The King and Queen have become one of the strongest couples in the monarchy (Credit: Cover Images)

“It’s a set-up that works for them”

Even though they live separately at times, Jack says the couple is far from distant. When apart, they each have dedicated household staff, and both remain deeply committed to their shared royal duties – and to each other.

He went on to say the duo “love to host” and do spend time with mutual friends.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl, author of The New Royals, believes the pair have found the perfect rhythm together – both in public and behind palace doors.

“They truly complement each other,” she told Fabulous. “The King seems very happy to have Camilla by his side, and I think there is a great deal of gratitude there.

“Gratitude, tolerance, and patience have probably been key components of their relationship.”

Katie noted the irony of the couple’s enduring bond, given the scandalous and painful beginnings of their romance during Charles’s marriage to Princess Diana.