Queen Camilla’s intimate photo captures life beyond the palace walls

Queen Camilla has offered a rare glimpse into her private world through a new portrait captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson revealing where her heart truly lies.

It wasn’t a palace or official royal residence that served as the backdrop, but rather Ray Mill House.

Camilla’s beloved £850,000 property in Wiltshire. The home, which she purchased in 1994 following her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles, appears to remain her personal sanctuary even after nearly 20 years of marriage to King Charles.

Jackson shared the portraits on Instagram, writing, "Lovely to see this portrait I took of Queen Camilla with her new rescue dog 'Moley' at home in Ray Mill released today."

His deliberate reference to the property as "home" subtly underscores the Queen’s deep-rooted attachment to the countryside haven suggesting that, for Camilla, Ray Mill is more than just a residence; it’s where she feels most at peace.

Purchased in 1994 following her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles, the charming country home became her primary residence between 1996 and 2003. 

Though she officially lives with the King at Clarence House and frequently joins him at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, Ray Mill has remained her own personal haven.

According to the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, Charles and Camilla agreed early on in their relationship that she would keep the house. 

 "The separate space was important for them both and their families,” the paper reported.

"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... a place to enjoy laid-back weekends without prying eyes."

According to HELLO! Magazine, "The Queen appears to use this property as her special hideaway... a place for quiet and calm" and it’s one she has clearly kept close to her heart.