Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning an imminent move to the Cotswolds, trading their gated mansion in California for the English countryside.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to relocate to the rural area, which is known for its honey coloured villages, thatched cottages and rolling hills, leaving behind the mountain to ocean views of Montecito. The move follows a recent private reunion with King Charles at Highgrove, his home near the royal town of Tetbury.
According to reports, this meeting with the monarch may have spurred the couple to return to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Cotswolds region offers a disproportionately high ratio of celebrities to locals. Aside from the royal family, prominent figures who call the area home include Liam Gallagher, Damien Hirst, broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson, model Kate Moss, and television hosts Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.
While many famous residents live on vast estates away from public view, they frequently visit the area's historic pubs.
The royal neighbourhood
King Charles has owned his Highgrove estate for decades, long before the Cotswolds became a major celebrity draw over the last 30 years.
Other members of the royal family are regularly spotted in the area, including the prince's cousins, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall.
Just a 15 minute drive from Highgrove sits The Tunnel House Inn, a remote 18th century pub tucked away in rural farmland. The centuries old pub is popular with walkers and sits close to the small West Country village of Coates.
Before their high profile falling out, the pub was a firm favourite of the young Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, who would often share a pint there while staying at their father's retreat.
The popular venue closed and boarded its windows during the 2020 pandemic. It had been left in need of major restoration after previous owners departed over a rental disagreement. Local publican Peter Austen, who also runs The Bell in nearby Sapperton, reopened the historic inn this June following extensive renovations.
Speculation once suggested Prince Harry lost his virginity at the pub in 2001, but he clarified in his memoir Spare that the encounter took place at The Vine Tree Inn in Norton, a village in Wiltshire.
Celebrity haunts
Carole Bamford, creator of Daylesford Organic and wife of billionaire Conservative Party donor and JCB chairman Lord Bamford, owns several prominent venues in the area.
Her property The Fox in Oddington features six trendy suites, a large inglenook fireplace and chocolate coloured armchairs in the Tack Room. Formula One team principal Christian Horner and his wife Geri Horner are frequently spotted at the oak bar.
Lady Bamford also opened The Wild Rabbit in Kingham in 2013, a venue that was dubbed the poshest pub in Britain. David and Victoria Beckham have enjoyed family meals there, and Kate Moss is also a fan. DJ Pete Tong will host a Day of the Dead set at the pub in November.
In the market town of Charlbury, Lady Bamford's 17th century coaching inn The Bell attracts a well heeled clientele. Queen Camilla has been known to eat lunch at the venue.
Charlbury is also home to The Bull on Sheep Street, a 16th century pub with rooms that ranked 11th on the Estrella Damm Gastropub list this year.
Former Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith praised the venue earlier this year.
"We're spoiled for great pubs in the Cotswolds and my current favourite is The Bull," she told the Daily Mail in 2024. "It still looks like a proper pub, not some decorator's fantasy, and the food is just great, unpretentious, hearty and cooked with imagination and talent."
Robbie Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeremy Clarkson, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice have all been spotted at The Bull for a Sunday roast. The pub serves a local favourite, Steady Rolling Man pale ale from DEYA Brewery.
Historic venues
Other historic pubs in the region draw a mix of politicians and entertainers.
The Swan Inn at Swinbrook sits on the River Windrush right next to St Mary's church, the burial site for many members of the Mitford family. Former Prime Minister David Cameron, now Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, is a regular at the down to earth rural pub, and other politicians have thrashed out the country's future over dinner there.
In Wootton, The Killingworth Castle has hosted prominent figures since Thomas Killingworth opened the public house in 1637. Sir Winston Churchill would occasionally slip away from Blenheim Palace for lunch at the pub in the 1930s. More recently, Formula One stars Jenson Button and George Russell have enjoyed a pint there, alongside Christian and Geri Horner.
The Falkland Arms in Great Tew experienced excitement last year when Beyoncé and Jay Z nearly purchased a 58 acre estate nearby, though the power couple ultimately ducked out of the purchase.
Millionaire television producer John Lloyd came up with the idea for the long running quiz show QI while propping up the bar at the Falkland Arms. Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Phoebe Waller Bridge have dined there, as have Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.
Overlooking the Gloucestershire valley made famous by Laurie Lee in Cider With Rosie, the Woolpack Inn in Slad features a pub piano for singalongs. You Magazine food critic Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, is a regular at the unpretentious pub because of its excellent food. Actor Keith Allen, father of singer Lily Allen, previously worked behind the bar.
