King Charles is likely to get an unlikely neighbour at his beloved Highgrove House just days after it was revealed that the Sussexes are returning to the UK.
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be staying in any of the royal residences, it is reported that the family is moving into Cotswold, the same region where Highgrove is situated.
However, just days before Harry and Meghan could move into their new home, Charles has to deal with a major setback as a new ruling has announced by Cotswolds District Council. They have rejected the residents’ efforts to stop any new construction happening.
Locals had expressed fury over a new housing development plan which would “destroy” the townlike feel of Tetbury and the wildflower meadows that surround the area. Charles himself has planted many of the hedges in the fields between Bath Road and Longfurlong Lane on the outskirts of Tetbury in Gloucestershire.
135 new homes are to be build near the estate and become the “the King’s neighbour”. Residents have criticised that the builders would use this as an excuse to charge “premium” for the homes.
Longfurlong Greenfields Association spokesperson had said that the locals wanted to protect the “beautiful piece of landscape” in Cotswold, which has been undisturbed for “probably centuries”.
Permission was refused in line with the officer’s recommendation by a vote of five to two.
Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson, who represents Tetbury with Upton for Cotswold District Council, said the King surely “enjoys the tranquillity of the fields and the surroundings”.
“I am not saying the King should have any say over land use above that of a normal citizen. But it is very close to Highgrove, and the people of Tetbury give him peace wherever he goes,” she said noting that the people give him peace and privacy.
She noted that there may be security hassles which could cause fresh problems.
2026-08-24 14:06:00
