By Katherine Tinsley
10:16am PST, Jan 14, 2026
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Queen Elizabeth II typically would take a winter retreat in late December and return from Norfolk in February.
However, King Charles III chose to return to working from Clarence House early in the new year.
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After Queen Elizabeth II's death, King Charles III praised his mother's approach to leadership. Charles said his mother "gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service."
"Her reign was unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life," he said in his first speech as king.
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King Charles III's shortened break isn't the only way he differs from his mother. His Majesty is currently leading the Crown with a slimmed-down monarchy, as Queen Elizabeth II often included multiple generations within royal events.
Royal biographer
Robert Hardman told
Marie Claire: Charles "could see that going forward, that wasn't sustainable in the 21st century. But it didn't mean a case of slimming down. Slimming down implies that you take what you've got and reduce it."
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Robert Hardman noted that King Charles III "was looking at not expanding the family in the way that it used to expand."
