ROYAL FAMILY
Kate Middleton keeps bees at Sandringham palace
The princess has revealed one of her favorite housekeeping tasks.
Princess Kate is showing the world her contribution to nature, as the princess’ office shared a photo of Middleton skillfully handling bees in full beekeeping garb.
Middleton manages the bees as she tries to arrange their habitat in conditions that they will survive and thrive.
The princess keeps the bees at her home on the Sandringham estate. Middleton also makes her own honey and is even president of the Bees for Development charity.
Princess Kate beekeeping
The photo was taken by a Wales’ key photographer, Matt Porteous, in the summer of 2022, and was posted in honor of World Bee Day.
Middleton’s photo was shared on The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account. The princess smiles behind a net facial covering, and wears tan coveralls, rubber gloves, and rubber boots.
“We are buzzing about #WorldBeeDay,” the official account wrote in the caption. “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.”
A long history with bees
Middleton once brought a jar of homemade honey to an outing with some local schoolchildren to the London Natural History Museum, as per People. The princess offered some of the sweet treat to the children.
“Would you like to try some? This came specially from my beehive,” she said to the children. “Does it taste like honey from the shops? Does it taste like flowers?”
Kate and her brother, James Middleton, share the hobby of beekeeping together.
“Many of you know I am passionate about dogs, but not many know I am almost as passionate about bees,” James Middleton wrote in a 2019 Instagram post.
“I’m fascinated by the little creatures. From their waggle dance to the queen laying her own body weight in eggs a day… there’s a lot to be said about these humble little creatures.”