To the world, he wears the crown and carries the weight of the monarchy, but to his grandchildren, King Charles III is simply known as Grandpa.
This beloved figure has five grandchildren: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet.
His wife, Camilla, affectionately refers to him as “Grandpa Wales,” a title that has stuck since before his ascension to the throne.
According to reports, he delights in spending quality time with his grandkids, often getting down on all fours to play, making silly sounds, and sharing hearty laughs.
This season, the royal children are in for a special treat, as their grandfather is crafting something truly magical in one of his royal gardens.
King Charles is building a brand new maze at the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, drawing inspiration from a labyrinth he loved as a child.
This cherished memory is now coming to life after the original maze was removed many decades ago, marking a nostalgic return for the monarch.
The construction of the Lower Maze Garden began earlier this year, and it officially opened to the public just last week.
Located on the estate’s west lawn, the square maze features intricate designs made from topiary and yew trees, reflecting Charles’ own childhood experiences.
As an avid gardener, he sees this maze not just as a playful retreat for his grandchildren but also as an artistic expression of formal geometry and cosmic symbolism.
It’s heartwarming to envision George, Charlotte, and Louis racing through the maze, their laughter echoing amid the hedges.
The king hopes this enchanting space will become a backdrop for countless joyful moments spent with his grandchildren.
Jack Linfield, Sandringham’s head gardener, shared his excitement about the project, noting how visitors transition from the topiary garden into the traditional lower maze, creating a delightful experience.
Historically, the west lawn of Sandringham once boasted a formal patière garden in the 1800s before it was transformed into a simple lawn.
Interestingly, this new maze marks the third royal maze constructed in the past three centuries.
Previous creations have been established at Dumfries House and Balmoral, showcasing King Charles’ love for these whimsical installations.
You can bet that George, Charlotte, and Louis are eager to explore this new maze together.
It’s easy to imagine them competing to reach the center first, their parents, William and Catherine, likely joining in the fun.
The family has always prioritized creating joyful memories, whether it’s through beach outings or backyard barbecues, especially during their mother’s recovery journey.
Prince William has expressed his admiration for his father’s relationship with the youngest royals, noting that he would love for King Charles to spend even more time with them.
“Having more time with him at home would be lovely,” William remarked, emphasizing the importance of those bonding moments filled with playfulness and laughter.
In addition to his role as a grandfather to William and Harry’s children, Charles also embraces his responsibilities towards his five step-grandchildren.
Camilla has spoken fondly of how much her grandchildren adore Charles, highlighting his talent for reading Harry Potter with engaging voices that captivate young listeners.
Charles himself has acknowledged the unique bond he shares with his grandchildren, stating that this chapter of life is all about nurturing their interests and fostering connections while they’re still young.
It seems there’s never a dull moment when Grandpa is around, as he weaves magic into their lives through play and storytelling.
As the maze opens its gates to the public, it stands as a testament to King Charles III’s commitment to family and tradition.
It’s more than just a garden feature; it’s a place where memories will be made, laughter will resonate, and the royal legacy will continue to flourish through the joy of childhood exploration.