Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, spent the first night at their new Welsh retreat last night (23.06.08).
Popular on LondonNet
The couple are using the three-bedroom cottage and 192-acre estate in Llwynywermod, Myddfai, Carmarthenshire as a base during their five-day Welsh tour this week.
It is the first Welsh royal residence in years and has been nicknamed the ‘royal bed and breakfast’ as Charles’ Duchy of Cornwall estate will rent it out to tourists when the couple are not there.
The cottage was still undergoing renovations at the weekend, which includes a new bathroom extension, barn conversion and the construction of two new dwellings.
A spokesperson for the couple said: “For some time, the prince has wanted a base in Wales and he is looking forward to thanking those craftsmen and builders who have done such a fantastic job in renovating the property in time for his annual summer visit. “The idea has been to source textiles, fabrics and furnishings from Wales so there are Welsh artifacts and antiques throughout.”
The property’s furniture includes a Welsh dresser given to the queen on her coronation by the people of the former Cardiganshire.
During their visit, the couple will launch the Cambrian Mountain Initiative to help hill farmers and will also attend an official dinner which will mark Charles’ 50th anniversary of being the Prince of Wales, held by First Minister Rhodri Morgan on Thursday (26.06.08).
They will also visit Pembrokeshire’s St. David’s Cathedral, Solva’s woollen mill and Aberglasney Gardens near Llandeilo.