A Royal Summer Bug Battle at Sandringham and Ray Mill House

Wasps Wreak Havoc at Sandringham

August 22, 2025: Queen Camilla, attending the Ebor Festival in York, revealed that wasps have become a “terrible” nuisance at Sandringham, the royal family’s Norfolk retreat. Dry spring weather created ideal breeding conditions, prompting the placement of warning signs and the involvement of pest control teams.

Bee Troubles at Her Wiltshire Retreat

Back at her private country home in Wiltshire, Ray Mill House, Camilla faces another challenge: her beloved bees are swarming excessively. A keen hobbyist, the Queen maintains eight hives for charitable honey production—but rampant activity has made the situation harder to manage.

Image Credit: Ian Forsyth/Getty

Balancing Nature and the Homefront

These bug-related woes underscore the complex relationship between environmental stewardship and personal comfort. As an advocate for the environment, Queen Camilla remains mindful of protecting insect life—even in the face of disruptions to royal residences and guests.

What It Means for the Royal Summer

From Sandringham to Ray Mill, Camilla’s update serves as a refreshing reminder that even royals contend with very human-and surprisingly common—pests and environmental quirks. Her candid reflections highlight how nature, even when causing headaches, remains part of the backdrop to royal life.