The King and Queen Camilla spent the night before their coronation dining together privately at Clarence House.
The pair stayed at their much-loved London base, rather than at monarchy HQ Buckingham Palace, as they prepared for the historic, momentous task ahead of them.
Charles moved into Clarence House – the former home of his grandmother the Queen Mother – in 2003.
It was extensively refurbished and redecorated to their taste, and features many pieces from Charles’s art collection and countless family photos.
A short walk from Buckingham Palace, it stands beside St James’s Palace.
It will be a welcome place of refuge for the King and Queen as they get ready to take centre stage in front of a global audience of millions at the nation’s first coronation for 70 years.
Charles is known for being a reflective soul, and is likely to have spent time deep in contemplation ahead of his historic crowning.
“He was drawing solace and strength from the trees, the smell of the earth and the murmur of the River Muick,” royal writer Robert Jobson wrote.
The Clarence House garden stretches to half an acre and features swathes of lavender and a sundial in memory of the Queen Mother.
This week we will be taking a look at the Clarence House garden. ???
On arriving at Clarence House, visitors are welcomed by the gardens, designed by The Prince of Wales in memory of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. pic.twitter.com/QYb7LyM58c
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) August 17, 2021
The site has featured a garden since the 16th century when a walled privy garden was created for Henry VIII and his family.
Buckingham Palace is still undergoing a £369 million reservicing programme spanning 10 years, which includes updating the electrical cabling, plumbing and heating.
Charles and Camilla will make their way to the palace in the morning for their final preparations ahead of their departure to the Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as part of the King’s Procession.
