Wednesday evening, when the new king decided to return to his favourite Highgrove estate, the Palace was fast to point out that he was still working.
As he “took a breath” after a frenetic sequence of ceremonies following the death of his mother, the Queen, Charles spent Thursday at his Gloucestershire hideaway speaking to foreign leaders and Governors General.
However, it is recognised that the luxuries of Highgrove were not the only motivation for his vacation.
For The Mail on Sunday can disclose that Charles wanted to spend time praying for both his mother and his late father in a private’sanctuary’ — a chapel constructed inside the grounds of Highgrove.
It is thought that this peculiar tiny structure is one of the few locations where the King may find tranquilly. The church set among the greenery of the King’s exclusive Gloucestershire estate was constructed according to his requirements.
The chapel is considered to be a nondenominational place of worship, while being influenced by the designs of the orthodox church — the tradition followed by his paternal grandparents. It is stated that the King views the peaceful structure as a personal reflection of his dedication to a multifaith community.
Charles is more devout than most people realise, therefore he wanted to return to this unique chapel, this sanctuary, where he could spend a few minutes in silent reflection, according to an insider.
Meanwhile, the Queen Consort retreated to her own residence in neighbouring Ray Mill. However, the journey to his own church provides an interesting indicator of how Charles intends to rule.
On Friday evening, the King met faith leaders, saying: ‘I have always thought of Britain as a “community of communities”. That has led me to understand that the Sovereign has an additional duty – less formally recognised but to be no less diligently discharged.
‘It is the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for faith itself and its practise through the religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us as individuals.’
The retreat to Highgrove followed the most difficult of weeks for the new King, who traversed the United Kingdom while grieving the death of his mother, approving arrangements for the State burial, and assuming his new position as Monarch.
Known as Operation Springtide, the more than 1,500-mile-long trip plan was devised years in advance.
The hectic programme was intended to unify the country after the passing of the queen. However, the majority of monarchs are not 73 years old when they ascend to the throne.
Tomorrow, the King will attend three funeral ceremonies for his mother – two public and one private – on a magnitude not seen in generations.