King Charles' final night as Prince of Wales included 'glass of fizz' and 'music in the tapestry room', close friend reveals
King Charles hosted a dinner with drinks and live entertainment for about 50 guests at Dumfries House on the evening before the Queen died


King Charles III enjoyed a 'glass of fizz' and listened to music at Dumfries House in Scotland the night before the Queen died, his close friend has revealed.
- King Charles III had a 'glass of fizz' before enjoying coffee and music at Dumfries House on the evening before the Queen's death, his close friend has revealed.
- Alan Titchmarsh was one of 50 guests invited to the Scottish estate for food and entertainment on the royal heir's final night as Prince of Wales.
- In other royal news, Prince William set to take on ‘active role’ in King Charles III's coronation ceremony as Harry's position remains unclear.
King Charles III spent his final night as the Prince of Wales at Dumfries House in Scotland with drinks and music, according to his close friend.
The relaxing evening marked the calm before the storm for the 73-year-old, who woke up the following day (September 8) to the devastating news that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was dying at Balmoral Castle. By mid-afternoon, Her Majesty had passed away, with Charles automatically succeeding her as the 62nd monarch of Britain.
A close friend of the King, who was with Charles at Dumfries House on the night before the Queen's death, has now shared details about how the royal heir spent his last hours as prince at the iconic stately home.
Dumfries House in Scotland
"There was a glass of fizz and dinner, and the Prince and I had a natter," Alan Titchmarsh told the Times this weekend. The two men, who have known each other for over 40 years, then retired to Dumfries House's stunning tapestry room for a hot beverage and some tunes.
"Afterwards there was coffee and music in the tapestry room, then we said goodnight," the English gardener added.
"The next day his mother died, he became king and his feet haven’t touched the ground since." The King expressed his 'great sadness' just hours after the death of Queen Elizabeth had been announced, before embarking on a period of Royal Mourning that lasted for a total of sixteen days. He has since engaged in a heavy schedule of royal duties, including hosting investiture ceremonies, meeting with government officials, and attending public engagements.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Alan shared more insight about his memorable dinner with Charles in another recent interview, recalling details of the live music and his private conversation with the royal at the end of the night.
"It was about 50 people so quite intimate," he told Hampshire Live, adding that the musical entertainment consisted of a "penny whistler and a guitar." The tapestry room at Dumfries House also contains a Steinway baby grand piano, so it's quite possible a few notes on the keyboard were played alongside these instruments.
After gifting the penny whistler a bottle of scotch and the guitarist a bottle of champagne, Charles began saying his goodbyes. According to Alan, the former prince also invited him for tea just as he was leaving.
"I got an early flight the next morning and when I got home, I realized I had said goodnight to the King on his last night as the Prince of Wales," the 73-year-old said. "Absolutely no inkling the night before that anything was untoward."

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
Take it from Victoria Beckham - this tinted SPF is perfect for a healthy-looking complexion on no-makeup days
An SPF that boasts lightweight coverage and delivers an enviable glow? Sign us up
-
Ruth Jones shines bright in blue at the TV BAFTAs 2025 and this trending hue is set to add a dose of dopamine dressing to your wardrobe
Ruth Jones delivers dopamine dressing at the TV BAFTAs 2025 in a sapphire blue dress that won on the red carpet
-
King Charles hopes Princess Charlotte will do something extremely special when he's 'very old'
Whether or not she becomes a working royal one day, the King has always wished for his granddaughter to have this special role.
-
Queen Camilla sends subtle but sweet message as she and King Charles share 20th wedding anniversary video
The King and Queen have taken us on a trip down memory lane as they marked their milestone anniversary with a special video montage.
-
There's 'only one person' King Charles will 'listen to' when it comes to his health, says royal expert
King Charles is known for his 'workaholic' ways and his commitment to his schedule hasn’t changed since his cancer diagnosis.
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
-
How to watch King Charles's Christmas speech 2024: When is it on, what channels and is it pre-recorded?
Here's how to watch King Charles's Christmas speech where you are as we look forward to the monarch's annual festive message
-
Where do King Charles and Queen Camilla live, do they own Clarence House and how many bedrooms does their sentimental home have?
King Charles has lived at Clarence House since 2003 and although he and Queen Camilla might move one day, it's a very special royal home
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite hobby that is ‘less than satisfying’ for King Charles
Kate Middleton's favourite hobby is one her father-in-law isn't a fan of and King Charles took up something else after finding it 'impossible'
-
King Charles's 'constant battle' with Queen Camilla that he 'usually wins'
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been described by her sister as 'polar opposites' and this apparently leads to a lot of 'banter' at home