Prince Charles' Travel Essentials: What He Always Takes

Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, has been known to travel with a variety of comforts and odd items. Charles has been dubbed the Pampered Prince due to his specific demands and rules, which include bringing his own toilet seat, bed, furniture, and even paintings when travelling. He also requests specific food and beverages, such as organic meals, Laphroaig whisky, and bottled water. Charles's former butler, Paul Burrell, revealed that the prince's pyjamas are pressed every morning, his shoelaces are ironed flat, and his bath plug and water temperature must be set to a particular position. These revelations provide insight into the unique travel habits of royalty and their dedication to maintaining their comforts while away from home.

Toilet seat

It is no secret that Prince Charles likes to travel in style. The Prince of Wales has been known to bring a selection of unusual items with him when he travels, including his own toilet seat.

The rumour that Prince Charles travels with his own lavatory seat was first asserted by author Tom Bower in his book, "Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles". Bower wrote that when Prince Charles visited a friend in North-East England, he brought his own toilet seat, along with other items such as his orthopaedic bed, rolls of Kleenex Premium Comfort toilet paper, and two landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

This rumour was further perpetuated by author Tina Brown in her book, "The Palace Papers". Brown wrote that Prince Charles' former aide, Michael Fawcett, would oversee the "paraphernalia that preceded his boss like the baggage train of a Tudor travelling court". This included the Prince's "orthopaedic bed, lavatory seat, and Kleenex Velvet lavatory paper, plus two landscapes of the Scottish landscapes".

However, Prince Charles has denied this claim. During a radio interview with Hit105 in Australia, when asked about the rumour, he replied: "My own what?" before adding, "Oh don't believe all that crap". His wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, was also quick to back him up, telling the radio host, "Don't you believe that!".

Despite the denial, it is clear that Prince Charles has some specific requests when it comes to his travel accommodations. In addition to his toilet seat and toilet paper, he also reportedly requests specific meals and has his martini premixed and served to him in his own glass. He also brings his own furniture, linen, and radio when he travels, ensuring that he has all the comforts of home.

Toilet paper

When it comes to toilet paper, Prince Charles is said to be very particular about the brand and type he uses. According to various sources, including royal authors Tom Bower and Tina Brown, the future king insists on having super-soft Kleenex Premium Comfort or Kleenex Velvet toilet paper when he travels. This preference for a specific brand of toilet paper is just one of the prince's many rumoured travel demands, which have earned him a reputation for being a high-maintenance traveller.

In her book "The Palace Papers: Inside The House Of Windsor - The Truth And The Turmoil," Tina Brown provides insight into Prince Charles' rigid travel requirements, which include his insistence on having his own toilet seat and super-soft Kleenex Velvet toilet paper. This preference for a specific type of toilet paper may seem unusual, but it is not uncommon for individuals with wealth and privilege to have such specific demands.

While some may view these demands as excessive or indulgent, it is worth noting that Prince Charles' status as the heir to the throne and his position in the royal line of succession have accustomed him to certain luxuries. As a result, he is reportedly unwilling to compromise on certain items, including his preferred brand of toilet paper. This preference for Kleenex Velvet toilet paper reflects his desire for comfort and familiarity, even when travelling away from home.

It is important to note that while these demands may seem extravagant, they are not always well-received by his hosts. In one instance, as described by Tom Bower, Prince Charles' assortment of luggage, which included his bed, furniture, and specific toilet paper, did not go down well with his hosts. Bower writes that the hosts decided not to invite the prince again, despite enjoying his company. This example highlights how Prince Charles' travel demands, including his insistence on specific toilet paper, can sometimes create a sense of tension or inconvenience for those hosting him.

Overall, Prince Charles' preference for Kleenex Velvet toilet paper when travelling is indicative of his desire for comfort and consistency. While it may seem like a small detail, it reflects the larger dynamic between royalty and their hosts, as well as the expectations that come with such a privileged position.

Bed

When travelling, Prince Charles is known to bring his own bed—an orthopaedic bed, to be precise. In his book, *Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles*, investigative author Tom Bower reveals that the royal once took his entire bedroom, including furniture, on a trip to the North-East of England. According to Bower, a truck arrived at Charles' friend's house a day before the visit, carrying the bed, furniture, and even pictures, which were hung in the guest room.

Prince Charles' bed is not the only item on his extensive travel packing list. He also brings his own linen, radio, chest of drawers, lavatory seat, Kleenex Premium Comfort lavatory paper, Laphroaig whisky, bottled water, and two landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

On the same trip to the North-East of England, Prince Charles' hosts decided not to invite him again, despite enjoying his company, due to the assortment of luggage he brought.

The royal's strict demands when travelling are in stark contrast to his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who is often seen travelling by commuter train and does not require such extensive comforts.

Prince Charles is not the only royal with particular travel habits. It has been reported that the Queen always travels with a hot water bottle, her favourite tea and cake, and family photos. Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are also known to have their own unique travel requirements.

Paintings

Prince Charles is an avid painter and has been for nearly 50 years. He has been taught by some of the most famous British artists, including Edward Seago, John Napper, Derek Hill, John Ward, and Bryan Organ. He usually takes his treasured sailcloth and leather painting bag with him on royal tours, hoping to have time to paint.

His paintings often depict Scottish landscapes, such as the Huna Mill in John O'Groats, Glen Callater near Balmoral, and the Queen's favourite residence, Castle Mey on the north coast of Scotland. He also enjoys painting outdoor scenes from Provence in the south of France, Tanzania in East Africa, and Klosters in Switzerland. One of his paintings of Klosters was used as a ski pass by the resort.

Charles has also painted scenes from his travels, including a visit to Hong Kong with his ex-wife, Princess Diana, in 1989. This painting depicts Double Haven Bay, now part of a marine park in the northeast New Territories.

In January 2022, 79 of Charles's watercolours were exhibited at The Garrison Chapel in Chelsea, London. He has also exhibited his work at Hampton Court Palace and the National Gallery of Australia.

According to the Times of India, Prince Charles takes paintings with him when he travels. In her book, The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor, the Truth and the Turmoil, Tina Brown writes that Prince Charles's luggage for a trip included two landscapes of Scottish landscapes, along with his bed, toilet seat, and velvet toilet paper.

Food

When it comes to food, Prince Charles is known to be a demanding and picky eater. He is a healthy eater, preferring organic and plant-based options, and is a fan of eggs, especially when they are boiled for exactly four minutes. He also likes soft-boiled eggs, but they must be at the perfect temperature. To ensure this, his staff will often cook 12 to 18 eggs so that he has a selection to choose from.

Charles is also particular about his breakfast requirements, which include freshly squeezed orange juice, a small bowl of freshly peeled and cut fruit, specially made muesli, milk from the Windsor Castle dairy, granary toast, and six different types of honey. He also enjoys a boiled egg with every meal, served on a side salad, which he mashes into the salad to create a mayonnaise-like texture.

The Prince is also a fan of picnics, with specific requirements for the perfect picnic sandwich. He requires a homemade organic granary bap, exactly eight centimetres in diameter, cut in half and buttered. The sandwich must be filled with mayonnaise, pesto, shredded salad leaves, and a fried egg, seasoned with two thin slices of Gruyere cheese. The sandwich must then be carefully buttered again, with a little Marmite added to the second half, before being placed together. To finish, the sandwich should be covered with a light dusting of white flour to give it a "rustic" look.

Charles is also a keen hunter and fisherman, and will eat game and fish that he has caught himself. He is not a fan of dessert, preferring fresh fruit from his garden, and he does not eat lunch, considering it a "luxury" that interferes with his busy schedule.

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