The King introduces a limited edition single malt, echoing the Duchess of Sussex’s recent business ventures.
In a notable business move, King Charles is stepping into the entrepreneurial realm with the launch of a limited-edition whisky, mirroring the recent ventures of his daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle. The King, aged 75, is selling 400 bottles of “Highgrove Royal Gardens Single Malt,” priced at £250 each. This marks his most expensive whisky offering from the Highgrove estate, with the next in line costing £130.
The whisky, crafted from barley grown on the King’s estate in Gloucestershire, is presented in a beautifully designed gift box featuring a watercolour painting of Highgrove, created by Charles himself. The limited edition bottles are expected to be a collector’s item, appealing to whisky connoisseurs and royal enthusiasts alike.
Embed from Getty ImagesTasting notes suggest a complex profile, boasting vanilla and orange peel nose with hints of candied ginger and a lightly spiced finish. This high-end offering represents a continuation of the King’s passion for sustainable agriculture and local produce, aligning with his longstanding commitment to environmental issues.
This launch comes just months after Meghan Markle made headlines with her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard (ARO), where she introduced homemade strawberry jam. Similar to the King’s whisky, each jar of ARO jam was meticulously numbered and packaged in a charming lemon basket, a marketing strategy that generated considerable buzz on social media as her friends showcased the products online.
King Charles’s foray into the beverage industry underscores a growing trend among modern royals to embrace business ventures while maintaining their royal duties. While Meghan stepped down as a working royal four years ago to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations, Charles continues to balance his commitments to the monarchy with personal initiatives.
The Cotswolds Distillery, responsible for producing the Highgrove whisky, is renowned for its artisanal approach, ageing the spirit in premium active ex-red wine and first-fill bourbon casks. The distillery, situated in the picturesque Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is notable for its use of heritage Plumage Archer barley, which is traditionally floor-malted at Britain’s oldest working maltings.
As both royals venture into business, they are redefining traditional roles within the monarchy, engaging with a contemporary audience eager to support their entrepreneurial efforts. King Charles’s whisky is poised to not only celebrate British craftsmanship but also further the legacy of royal products, drawing inspiration from the burgeoning popularity of lifestyle brands among celebrities.