King Charles is renowned for his environmental advocacy and decades of public service, but behind the palace doors a much more traditional lifestyle is said to take place.
According to real author Tina Brown in her book The palace papersThe King has long been compared to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Brown suggests that Charles not only admired his style, but embraced it.
From maintaining multiple residences to championing a distinctly old-fashioned approach to household management, insiders have described a lifestyle that leans toward tradition with precision.
The King is believed to favor bespoke tailoring on a grand scale, with dozens of hand-made suits, carefully crafted shirts and a significant collection of shoes from historic British makers.
The footwear, in particular, is said to be maintained with an almost military discipline, reflecting an ancient royal emphasis on presentation.
It is said that the same level of care applies within the royal residences.
Previous accounts describe very specific expectations for staff, from the exact placement of everyday items to the preparation of rooms at any given time.
Some of these traditions echo habits once associated with the Queen Mother herself, known for her exacting standards, from how fireplaces were prepared to how rooms were organized before bedtime.
In previous years, when Queen Camilla still smoked, staff were said to prepare the rooms in advance with accessories carefully arranged, making sure everything was in the right position.
