Local parish council has 'no objection' to Queen Camilla's plans as key decision looms

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 27/02/2026

- 10:21

The Wiltshire estate provides Camilla with a private space away from the demands of royal life

A local parish council has exclusively told GB News it has "no objection" to Queen Camilla's plans for home alteration, but that the final decision rests with Wiltshire Council.

Queen Camilla applied to her local authority for approval to cut down a cypress tree at her private residence, Ray Mill House, located in Reybridge, a hamlet near Lacock, Wiltshire.


The tree, described as having a substantial trunk, is said to be deteriorating and blocking light from younger plants on the grounds.

Because Ray Mill sits within a conservation area, it was reported that the Queen had to obtain council consent before removing it.

Theo Edge, the Parish Clerk at Lacock Parish Council, has now exclusively told GB News: "Lacock Parish Council considered PL/2026/00692 for proposed tree works at Reymill House, Reybridge, Lacock at its February meeting.

"A representation of no objection was resolved and submitted to Wiltshire Council's planning team to inform their decision on the matter."

GB News has contacted Wiltshire Council, enquiring when a decision will be made regarding Queen Camilla's home alteration.

Ray Mill House, which the Queen acquired for £850,000 in 1996 after divorcing Andrew Parker Bowles, has remained her personal retreat for three decades.

Queen Camilla

Local parish council has 'no objection' to Queen Camilla's plans as key decision looms

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PA / GETTY

It has served as the Queen's treasured haven away from public attention ever since she purchased it, and she chose to keep the property even after her marriage to King Charles.

Those close to her say the estate allows her to truly relax and be herself.

The Italianate-style house, constructed around 1860, features 12 acres of gardens and orchards alongside a private walled swimming pool that her grandchildren are said to particularly enjoy.

Should Camilla outlive the King, sources suggest that she would likely make Ray Mill her permanent home rather than residing in a royal Palace.

Ray Mill HouseA bedroom located inside Ray Mill House | PA

The Wiltshire retreat is where Camilla withdrew following the state funeral and mourning period after Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022.

She continues to spend as much time there as possible when her duties do not require her presence at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire or Clarence House in London, the official residences she shares with the King.

"She has her horses, she walks her dogs, and she loves spending time with her family," one friend told the Mail of her time at the property.

The estate provides her with a private space away from the demands of royal life.

Ray Mill HouseA pond located outside Ray Mill House in Wiltshire | PA

Last year, King Charles stepped in to purchase the neighbouring property, The Old Mill, for £3million using his private funds amid concerns it could be converted into a busy wedding venue.

The prospect of the adjacent house being sold for commercial use reportedly caused Camilla considerable distress.

"Think of it, dozens of wedding guests carousing every weekend just the other side of her fence," one source familiar with the situation remarked.

The boundary between the two properties sits merely 30 feet apart, prompting what friends described as "an imperative" to protect the Queen's safety and privacy. The Old Mill now houses a security-vetted tenant.