Royal photographer Chris Jackson has inadvertently revealed that Queen Camilla still considers her Wiltshire property her true home, despite nearly two decades of marriage to King Charles.
The photographer's recent birthday portraits of the Queen, released this month, were notably taken at Ray Mill rather than any official royal residence.
Jackson captioned the images on Instagram: "Lovely to see this portrait I took of Queen Camilla with her new rescue dog 'Moley' at home in Ray Mill released today."
His repeated reference to the property as her "home" highlights the Queen's enduring attachment to her personal retreat.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Buckingham Palace / PA
|Queen Camilla picture shows strong connection to private home away from King Charles.
The £850,000 residence in Wiltshire was acquired by Camilla following her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles in 1994. She resided there between 1996 and 2003 and has maintained it as a country retreat ever since.
Whilst her official residence with the King is Clarence House, and the couple frequently stay at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, Ray Mill remains distinctly hers.
The property serves as more than just a weekend retreat. It represents a personal sanctuary where the Queen can escape the demands of royal duties and maintain a connection to her life before becoming a senior royal.
The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald reported that before their marriage, Charles and Camilla agreed she would retain her home, noting "the separate space was important for them both and their families."
X / The Royal Family | Queen Camilla celebrated her 78th birthday earlier this week.
The local paper added: "For Camilla, her Wiltshire house had so many memories of raising her family.
"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."
Hello! Magazine reported: "The Queen appears to use this property as her special hideaway, separate from her life at the top of the Royal Family, serving as a place for quiet and calm."
The outlet noted that whilst the Queen has her sanctuary at Ray Mill, "King Charles has his own sanctuary not so far away - Highgrove House."
PA | Ray Mill House was purchased by Queen Camilla in 1994.
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PA | A bedroom located inside Ray Mill House.
This isn't the first time Ray Mill has served as the backdrop for Camilla's birthday portraits. When she turned 75, Princess Kate photographed her mother-in-law at the same location.
The sprawling property boasts extensive grounds and its own swimming pool, similar to Highgrove House.
Archive photographs show the Queen relaxing poolside at her Wiltshire retreat.
With such appealing surroundings and privacy from public scrutiny, it's clear why Her Majesty continues to cherish this personal haven.