King Charles reportedly forked out £3 million last year for the Old Mill, a property next to his wife, Queen Camilla's Wiltshire retreat. It's now been alleged that the monarch paid £3.75 million for the home, and set up a company, Frisa Nominees Ltd, for the transaction.
The business lists Buckingham Palace as its correspondence address, according to the Mail's Eden Confidential, and its management includes James Chalmers, the Keeper of the Privy Purse and Katherine James, who works in the Private Secretaries Office.
The Old Mill dates from the Norman Conquest and according to an undated listing brochure for an estate agent, it's "set in the most idyllic position with breathtaking views of the river Avon and surrounding countryside".
At the time of the purchase, it was understood that the monarch had completed the transaction using private funds.
© Alamy Stock PhotoIt was previously reported that the Old Mill, which is on the same street as Camilla's Wiltshire home Ray Mill House, was due to be brought up and transformed into a hotel and wedding venue, which might have disturbed Camilla's peace.
However, it's believed that Camilla is getting ready to say goodbye to the home, which is located in Lacock, with Richard Eden revealing that the royal has quietly transferred its ownership to her son, Tom Parker Bowles and financier Jake Irwin.
Ray Mill House
Camilla snapped up Ray Mill House back in 1995 for £850,000 following her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles. She made it her primary residence between 1996 and 2003. The property is an idyllic haven complete with an outdoor swimming pool, stables and rambling gardens.
It's where Camilla reportedly sought solace following the passing of the late Queen, as well as after the late monarch's state funeral.
© Alamy Stock PhotoIt also served as the backdrop for her 75th birthday portraits shot by Princess Kate, as well as the wedding reception of Camilla's daughter, Laura Lopes, who wed Harry Lopes in 2006.
Last year, Camilla offered a rare insight into her favourite hobby, gardening, at Ray Mill House. Describing it as the "best therapy in the world" during an appearance at the Sandringham Flower Show, she lamented that the heatwave had been destroying her carefully curated flowerbeds.
