Princess Of Wales Promotes World Bee Day 2023


I was away on vacation on World Bee Day (20th May 2023) but heard about a photograph of the Princess of Wales and her interest in beekeeping. 

I had to investigate when I returned from my trip!

Princess Catherine The Beekeeper

On 20th May, a photograph of the Princess in full beekeeping suit and tending a beehive was released on Instagram, helping to draw attention to the cause of bees.

The photograph was taken by Royal photographer, Matt Porteous.

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton tending bees dressed in a beekeeping suit

The post reads:

"Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem and today is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy."

Beekeeping is a family tradition for Princess Catherine, her brother James is also a beekeeper at her former family home.

The Princess of Wales currently keeps bees at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, England. 

Back in 2021, Princess Catherine took a jar of Amner Hall honey to the Natural History Museum in London to be tried by a group of children that she was expecting to meet.’

Princess of Wales beekeeping dressed in a beekeeping suit photograph by Matt Porteous(Image included on this site with permission - photograph by Matt Porteous)

More Facts About Beekeeping And The British Royals

  • Bees are also kept at Buckingham Palace where there are four beehives.  The hives are located on an island in the middle of a lake in the garden.

    At Clarence House there are a further two beehives.

    The gardens offer ample opportunities for foraging bees, with a wealth of nectar rich flowers growing in the gardens.

  • The late Queen Elizabeth II gave a jar of Buckingham Palace honey to Pope Francis as an official gift at their first meeting in 2014.

  • As well as being President of Bees for Development, Queen Camilla also has beehives at her home in Wiltshire.  The honey they produce is sold from the Fortnum & Mason store to raise money for charity.

  • King Charles is a long-time advocate for bees, beekeeping and the environment. 

    When Prince, the King was a high profile pioneer in helping to raise awareness of the plight of bees, and as a result, received gifts of honey from grateful beekeepers around Europe. 
    Read more about this: King Charles, The Bee-friendly Monarch.












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