Queen Camilla and King Charles battle over Monarch’s bedroom habit

The king and Camilla, 78, have spent years renovating and modernizing royal residences, with Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, previously involved in a number of interior design projects for the couple.

But according to those familiar with Charles’ routines, one of his strongest preferences is maintaining a cool environment — even if those around him prefer to turn up the heat.

A palace aide told us: ‘Charles has never been one to enjoy modern conveniences simply for convenience’s sake. When it comes to sleeping arrangements, he is noticeably old-fashioned, preferring traditional sheets and blankets to a duvet. It’s one of those habits that will stay with him his entire life.

“He also doesn’t like overheated rooms and can be surprisingly stubborn about keeping windows open, even when everyone else is reaching for an extra layer. He genuinely believes that fresh air is important and is happiest when his environment is much cooler than most people would tolerate.”

According to Elliot, the difference in temperature preferences has become a well-known source of banter between the king and queen.

She said: “There’s a constant battle about it. (Charles) will have opened (a window). (Camilla) will sneak in and close it. So there’s a lot of, ‘Oh honey, you close the window.’ “Yes, I did, because we’re all freezing.” So there’s a lot of chatter.”

Another royal source insisted that the disagreement caused by Charles’ bedroom preference is not so much a serious dispute but rather an example of the couple’s contrasting personalities.

“Charles and Camilla have very different ideas about what constitutes a comfortable room temperature,” the insider noted. “The King has always preferred cool, airy spaces and likes fresh air to circulate around the house, while Camilla prefers a warmer and cozier environment. It’s one of those little domestic disagreements that has followed them throughout their marriage.”

The source added: “Whether they’re staying in one of the royal residences in London, Scotland or in the countryside, the same discussion inevitably comes up. Charles is often keen to open a window, while Camilla is usually the first to point out that everyone else is shivering, and sometimes it really drives her crazy.”

The king’s preference for colder temperatures was also highlighted by former communications secretary Julian Payne, who recalled attending meetings with Charles at Birkhall in Scotland.

He said, ‘The king always has the windows wide open. A meeting at Birkhall, his home in the Highlands, in the dead of winter, was not for the faint of heart. I can remember more than one time when I thought I might have gotten frostbite when I tried to write with a hand I could no longer feel.”

Another source suggested the habit reflects Charles’ wider lifestyle and work routines.

The insider added: ‘Charles has never been the type to change his personal habits simply because other people find them unusual. Once he finds a routine that works for him, he tends to stick with it, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

“His preference for fresh air, cooler temperatures and working long after most people have gone to bed is not something new. Those habits have been deeply ingrained for years and have become part of the rhythm of his daily life. They are as much a part of him as his dedication to his work and causes.”

One possible explanation for the king’s aversion to heavy bedding is his famously demanding schedule.

According to Lady Frederick Windsor – who is married to the King’s second cousin, Lord Frederick Windsor – Charles often works late into the night.

She noted: “He works all day, eats quickly and then disappears until about four in the morning to write letters. He cares about so many things and comes up with brilliant solutions.”