Queen Camilla shared her latest bee battle today as she admitted wasps have become a "terrible" nuisance.
Camilla stepped away from her summer break in Balmoral to attend the second day of the Ebor Festival in York, where she shared the surprising update.
Speaking to Harry and Seline Silk of Knavesmire Nectar, the Queen revealed that her bees have been giving her trouble this summer.
“My bees keep swarming,” she admitted, before adding: “They’ve been terrible,” in reference to the wasps. Camilla also confirmed she keeps eight hives, telling the couple: “I’ve got eight.”
‘They’ve been terrible’: Queen Camilla reveals ongoing battle with wasps at her private home
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She was presented with a jar of honey during the exchange, which took place as she met representatives from local charities supported by York Racecourse, members of the Yorkshire racing community, and the racecourse team.
The Queen, who lives at Ray Mill House in Wiltshire, is understood to keep her hives there. Her interest in beekeeping has grown over recent years, with Camilla often championing honey producers and other countryside traditions.
Camilla, 78, looked elegant as she unveiled a plaque at York Racecourse to celebrate the Juddmonte International being named the World’s Best Race of 2024 by the Longines World Racing Awards.
A patron of the course since June 2024, she wore a pale blue coat paired with a cream wide-brimmed hat featuring a bow. Later, she removed her coat to reveal a white, blue and red floral dress with puff sleeves and a pleated skirt.
Queen Camilla is presented with a jar of honey by Harry and Seline Silk from Knavesmire Nectar | PAHer accessories included a four-strand pearl and diamond necklace, pearl earrings, and a selection of slim bracelets in gold and silver.
She carried a woven beige Bottega Veneta handbag and suede kitten heels to complete the look.
The Queen was welcomed by Chris Legard, Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Bridget Guerin, Chairman of the York Race Committee, and William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse.
She also greeted the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, before taking the salute from the RAF Falcons display team.
Camilla later presented the trophy to the winner of the Yorkshire Oaks
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Queen Camilla enjoying a glass of bubbly during the festival
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Camilla later presented the trophy to the winner of the Yorkshire Oaks. Throughout the visit, she spent time chatting with racegoers and learning more about the work of charities supported by the course.
Her passion for horses and the countryside is well established, echoing that of her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.
She has also taken on responsibilities for the late Queen’s stables, as well as maintaining her own long association with equestrian and rural charities.
Currently based at Balmoral with King Charles for their annual summer holiday, Camilla has made several public appearances in recent weeks, balancing her private retreat with her duties.