Highgrove, the King’s country estate, has been adorned with festive Christmas decorations, including a touching tribute to a tragic recent loss experienced by the Royal Family. Among the tree ornaments is an embroidered motif of Beth, Queen Camilla’s beloved Jack Russell, who sadly had to be put down last weekend, leaving the Queen ‘heartbroken.’

13-year-old Beth was put down after it was discovered that she had cancer, a devastating decision for Camilla after adopting the puppy from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home when it was just 12 weeks old. However, the hole left by Beth in the family could soon be filled.

Speaking to Alan Carr and Amanda Holden at the Royal Variety Performance, King Charles told the hosting pair that they would be welcoming a new four-legged addition to the Royal Family following the tragic death.

The handmade likeness of Beth, donning a red bandana embellished with a crown, and another of Camilla’s terrier Bluebell, also crowned, are both and the tree and in the Highgrove shop this year. Priced at £12.95 each, these decorations were introduced in September as part of a long-planned addition to the Christmas range and were hung on the tree earlier this month, before news of Beth’s illness was known.

Staff at Highgrove in Gloucestershire are gearing up to welcome the public for celebrations in the Orchard Room, the estate’s dedicated entertaining space, which includes offering two or three-course festive lunches in the lead-up to Christmas. The decorations throughout the estate reflect a traditional Royal Christmas, featuring red, green and gold colours with a warm, homely touch.

The King’s commitment to sustainability is evident, with all lights being low voltage LEDs and sustainable materials used, such as paper baubles, plant-based glitter and flowers made from recycled paper mulch. A pair of giant nutcrackers, painted in the colour of Royal guardsmen in red tunics with tall black hats, stand guard at the entrance.

The King’s Foundation, a charity run by Charles, is responsible for Highgrove Gardens. All profits from Christmas lunches and shopping at Highgrove go towards the organisation’s work.

The foundation conducts educational workshops on-site for traditional and endangered crafts like millinery, embroidery, and woodworking. It also manages public access to Highgrove through garden tours, with tickets set to be available again in February 2025.