The Wasp War: Queen Camilla's 'Terrible' Pest Problem At Her Private Home, Ray Mill House

As of December 10, 2025, the Royal Family continues to manage the sprawling estates and historic homes that define their public and private lives, but even a Queen is not immune to the annoyances of nature. A surprisingly relatable, yet "terrible," problem has recently plagued Queen Camilla's personal life: a significant wasp infestation affecting her residences. The issue was brought to light during a public engagement, offering a rare glimpse into the minor domestic struggles faced by the monarch, particularly at her cherished private sanctuary, Ray Mill House. The concern over the aggressive swarm of insects is especially poignant given the Queen’s deep-rooted passion for beekeeping, a hobby she practices at her Wiltshire home. This pest problem, which she openly discussed, has not only become a nuisance but also poses a direct threat to her beloved honeybee colonies, highlighting a delicate balance of wildlife management within the royal estates.

Her Majesty Queen Camilla: A Biographical Profile

Her Majesty Queen Camilla, the second wife of King Charles III, has transitioned from a figure of public controversy to a respected and integral member of the British Royal Family. Her life has been marked by a strong connection to the countryside and a dedication to various charitable causes, long before she became Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

• Full Name: Camilla Rosemary Shand
• Born: July 17, 1947
• Birthplace: King's College Hospital, London, England
• Parents: Rosalind Shand (née Cubitt) and Major Bruce Shand
• First Marriage: Andrew Parker Bowles (1973–1995)
• Children from First Marriage: Tom Parker Bowles (food writer) and Laura Lopes (art curator)
• Second Marriage: King Charles III (then Prince Charles) (2005)
• Title: Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms
• Notable Patronages: Osteoporosis, literacy, animal welfare, and support for victims of rape and sexual abuse.

The 'Terrible' Wasp Infestation Across Royal Estates

The severity of the wasp problem was revealed by Queen Camilla herself during a visit to the Ebor Festival in York. While chatting with beekeepers, she candidly described the situation as "terrible," confirming that the issue was widespread across royal properties.

While reports initially focused on the extensive infestation at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, a property long cherished by the Royal Family, the Queen’s subsequent comments and the context of her beekeeping hobby brought her private residence, Ray Mill House, into the center of the discussion.

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The late summer months often bring a peak in wasp activity, especially in rural areas like Wiltshire and Norfolk. However, the scale of the problem this year was significant enough to warrant public comment from the Queen, suggesting a genuine challenge for the royal groundskeepers and pest control teams. The aggressive nature of the insects poses a safety concern for both staff and visitors, and a particular threat to the Queen's cherished hobby.

Ray Mill House: The Queen’s Private Sanctuary and Apiary

Ray Mill House, located in Reybridge, a hamlet near Lacock, Wiltshire, is Queen Camilla's private residence and a Grade II listed 19th-century country house.

She purchased the property in 1996 following her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles, and it has since remained her personal haven—a place distinct from her official residences like Clarence House and Buckingham Palace.

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It is here, in the sprawling grounds of Ray Mill House, that Queen Camilla indulges in her passion for beekeeping. She maintains several hives (often cited as eight) and even sells the honey produced under her own brand, with proceeds often going to charity.

The presence of wasps is a major concern for any beekeeper. Wasps are known predators of honeybees, often raiding hives to steal honey and even kill the bees themselves, especially during the late summer when their natural food sources dwindle. The Queen's distress over the "terrible" wasp problem is therefore not merely a complaint about a nuisance, but a genuine fear for the health and survival of her own bee colonies at her Wiltshire home.

The Royal Approach to Pest and Wildlife Management

Managing pests in historic and expansive properties like the royal residences is a complex task that requires a balance between conservation and practical control. The Royal Household employs professional services, often those granted a Royal Warrant, to manage all aspects of estate maintenance, including pest and wildlife control.

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The approach is typically one of integrated wildlife management rather than simple extermination, especially given the Royal Family's strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, a cause championed by King Charles III for decades. This involves using licensed and ethical methods to control populations of problem animals or insects while protecting beneficial species like the Queen’s honeybees.

For a wasp infestation, the royal pest control teams would likely focus on locating and safely removing or neutralizing the nests. Given the scale of the problem at Sandringham, and the potential for a similar issue at Ray Mill House, a comprehensive strategy is essential. This might include:

• Targeted Nest Removal: Safely eliminating nests located in and around the buildings and grounds.
• Preventative Measures: Sealing up entry points in the Grade II listed buildings to prevent wasps from nesting inside the structures.
• Habitat Management: Controlling food sources and ensuring waste is managed to reduce attraction for pests.

The Queen's beekeeping hobby at Ray Mill House provides a unique context to the wasp problem. Her personal investment in the well-being of her bees means she is keenly aware of the interconnectedness of the ecosystem in her private garden. The wasp infestation is a stark reminder that even in the most secure and well-maintained royal settings, the forces of nature, be they beneficial honeybees or aggressive wasps, continue to exert their influence.

The candid revelation about the "terrible" wasp issue serves as a moment of connection with the public, as it is a problem faced by countless homeowners across the United Kingdom every summer. For Queen Camilla, however, the battle is personal—a fight to protect her private sanctuary and her beloved beekeeping project from the forces of a natural, yet relentless, seasonal pest.