To the world, King Charles III is a monarch ruling over the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms.
But to his grandchildren, he’s just Grandpa.
With five little ones in his life—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet—Charles has embraced a role that is both heartwarming and deeply personal.
His wife, Camilla, affectionately refers to him as Grandpa Wales, a name the kids used long before he ascended to the throne.
Camilla has often praised Charles’s playful spirit as a grandparent.
He’s known for getting down on all fours, crawling alongside his grandkids, making silly sounds, and sharing hearty laughs.
This season, however, there’s something extra special in store for George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Their grandfather is busy crafting a surprise in one of his royal gardens—a brand new maze at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
This maze isn’t just any garden feature; it’s a nostalgic nod to Charles’s own childhood.
Inspired by a labyrinth he loved playing in as a boy, which was removed decades ago, the King has brought his dream to fruition.
Construction on the Lower Maze Garden began in 2023, and it officially opened to the public just last week.
The square labyrinth, designed from topiary and yew trees, reflects the king’s fond memories and passion for gardening.
Charles sees this intricate maze not just as a play area but as a celebration of formal geometry and cosmic symbolism.
It’s a space where he hopes to create joyful moments with his grandchildren.
Sandringham’s head gardener, Jack Linfield, expressed excitement over the project, noting the transition from the topiary garden into the traditional lower maze is quite striking.
The historical significance of this new maze is notable, too.
It marks the third royal maze constructed in the past 300 years.
Prior to this, Charles also established mazes at Dumfries House and Balmoral.
You can bet George, Charlotte, and Louis are eagerly anticipating their first adventure through the winding paths, likely turning it into a friendly competition to reach the center first.
Their parents, Prince William and Catherine, are known for their hands-on parenting style, so it’s likely they’ll join in the fun.
The family has recently been spotted enjoying barbecues and beach walks, creating cherished memories during a time when they are rallying around Catherine’s health journey.
These moments are filled with laughter and love, fostering a joyful atmosphere.
William has shared how impressed he is with his father’s relationship with the younger generation.
He expressed a desire for Charles to spend even more time with his grandchildren, saying, “Having him at home would be lovely.” He believes that the more time they have together, the stronger the bond will grow.
In addition to his biological grandchildren, Charles also plays a significant role in the lives of his five step-grandchildren.
Camilla has noted how much they adore him, highlighting his talent for reading Harry Potter with different voices that captivate the kids.
It’s clear that the king has found a special connection with all of his grandchildren.
Charles himself has remarked on the importance of nurturing bonds with young ones.
He sees this phase of life as an opportunity to encourage their interests and share experiences.
“It’s very important to create a bond when they are very young,” he stated, emphasizing the value of these early interactions.
With a new maze at Sandringham and a heart full of love for his grandchildren, it seems there’s never a dull moment for King Charles III.
Whether he’s reading stories or playing in the garden, the royal grandpa is dedicated to making lasting memories with his family.
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